building northern the project of a generation …caid.ca/quenor2011.pdf · the plan nord is the...

BUILDING NORTHERN QUÉBEC TOGETHERThe Project of a Generation

BU

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Cover photos:ArcelorMittal Mines CanadaDavid RouaultMinistère des TransportsXstrata Nickel – Raglan Mine

The unabridged version and the highlights are available on the Plan Nord website(www.plannord.gouv.qc.ca).

Ce document est également disponible en français.

© Gouvernement du QuébecMinistère des Ressources naturelles et de la FauneLegal deposit – Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, 2011ISBN: 978-2-550-61431 (printed version)ISBN: 978-2-550-61430-2 (PDF)

Distribution code: 2011-1002

Louis-Edmond Hamelin,author of Nordicité canadienne Partners' discussion table, September 2010

Québec and its northern zone are indissociable.“ ”

VII

The 21st century is still young but it has already transported us to a different

world. The advances made by the emerging countries are shifting major

economic corridors. The emergence of environmental awareness and the fight

against global warming are altering our perception of economic development.

The Plan Nord has been elaborated to take a stance in this new world,

further broaden Québec’s approach centred on openness to the world and

strategic alliances, and develop our economic potential through a sustainable

development partnership that respects the First Nations, the Inuit and local

communities.

Northern Québec is fascinating because of its immense territory and the scale of

its potential. Today, the context lends itself to its rediscovery.

The North’s mining potential affords us an opportunity to capitalize on the

development of the emerging countries by ensuring the responsible development

of the territory’s resources.

Through its energy potential, Northern Québec, where some of the world’s

biggest hydroelectric developments are located, offers us an opportunity to

participate even more actively in the fight against climate change by developing

clean, renewable energies.

The diversity of the North’s wildlife, flora and fishery resources are treasures to

be shared and safeguarded for future generations.

The Plan Nord is the project of a generation of Quebecers.

Through the economic spinoff and social development that it engenders, the

Plan Nord will improve the living conditions of northern populations. However,

through the needs that it engenders for workers, knowledge and expertise its

benefits will be felt throughout Québec since this major project belongs, first

and foremost, to all Quebecers.

Jean CharestPremier of Québec

IX

The Plan Nord is one of the most ambitious projects that Québec has undertaken.

It is unique in its scope and in its approach.

For over a year, a number of Aboriginal and local communities have sought

to define conditions in Northern Québec and establish new methods of

collaboration.

This consensus-building approach that mobilized communities whose

populations total over 120 000 residents is unprecedented. Between the James

Bay and Côte-Nord regions, between the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region

and Nunavik there are, of course, thousands of kilometres and a great deal to

share: a northern culture, proximity to nature, boundless development potential,

and social challenges to be met.

The territory fires the imagination. It covers an area of over 1.2 million km2,

equivalent to 72% of Québec’s territory and twice the area of France. It has

enormous potential and unrivalled wealth. However, the territory is also

humbling. It shelters fragile communities in which ancient cultures are mastering

modernity. Moreover, it represents a natural heritage that we must preserve on

behalf of future generations.

Our government is convinced that one of the keys to our economic future lies in

this territory north of the 49th parallel.

The Plan Nord creates wealth and jobs but it also serves the territory’s residents.

We have emphasized an inclusive approach that profoundly respects the

communities. We are elaborating innovative partnerships in which governments,

communities and the private sector are stakeholders in a new dynamic in the

northern environment.

The ideal of sustainable development, which reconciles economic development,

social progress and environmental protection, sustains the Plan Nord.

With the Plan Nord, we are shaping the future.

Nathalie NormandeauDeputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord

Nathalie NormandeauDeputy Premier, Minister of Natural ResourceDeputy Premier Minister of Natural Resourceand Wildlife and Minister responsible for the

XI

, ,

The Plan Nord is a unifying project, an appointment with the future to which are invited the First Nations and the Inuit, local communities and all Quebecers. The territory that it covers has a rich history and it is there that the Cree, the Inuit, the Naskapi and the Innu have developed their way of life and customs, each in its own language. They have for a very long time mastered the elements of these vast northern areas. The participation of the Aboriginal peoples is essential to the Plan Nord’s success.

In my capacity as Minister responsible for Native Affairs, I wish to ensure that all of the Aboriginal nations in the territory that the Plan Nord covers are able to contribute to this promising project. In particular, I would like to emphasize the commitment of some 115 members of the four nations represented on the working groups responsible for elaborating the Plan Nord. Their active commitment has led to thorough reflection on their aspirations concerning northern development. They have grasped this opportunity to share their perspective of such development throughout the decision-making process.

The Plan Nord must mean for all Aboriginal communities economic and social spinoff and the enhancement of their living conditions. I am thinking here of the initiatives in the realms of education and training, culture and health that will enhance the quality of life in Aboriginal communities.

The Plan Nord will be implemented in a spirit of mutual respect and future generations can draw inspiration in turn from this innovative partnership model based on dialogue and respect. Its development will incorporate the Aboriginal perspective as it evolves during the implementation process.

Ö4fx b3Cj5 X3ND†5, vJyic3Xox˜3g5 §hQstic5yxg5 xf3zi, W5JpAbsMzK5w5/C5nyxalt4 WNhctŒAtcD8Ni3k5 g1z[c3ht4 wpC3gi3bc1qgi4scctŒ5yxicD8Ni3il wozJi4 yKi5nt8i ra¿5nt8k5.

Ne tshe ishi-atusseshtakanit Plan Nord eshinikatet atusseun nete mishta-tshiuetinit, tshika ui mamu ishpitenimitunanu, kie anitshenat aianishkat tshe petuteht auenitshenat tshika tshi kie uinuau nashatamuat nenu eshinakuannit atusseunnu, iapashtakanit aimun kie ka minu-uitamatunanut tshekuan.

Geoffrey KelleyMinister responsible for Native AffairsGeoffrey KelleyMinister responsible for Native

XIII

Through the approach adopted under the Plan Nord, Québec is taking the opportunity to develop prosperous living environments and sustainable economic projects. Accordingly, the government intends to preserve natural resources and biodiversity for current and future generations in a spirit of respect for the cultural identities of local populations and the Aboriginal communities.

The Plan Nord is a daunting challenge that seeks to strike a balance between different types of activities and forms of conservation. In this context, the government will ultimately devote 50% of the territory that the Plan Nord covers to purposes other than industrial ones, environmental protection, and safeguarding biodiversity.

The Plan Nord will be an exemplary sustainable development project.

Pierre ArcandMinister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

Through the Plan Nord, the gouvernement du Québec is pursuing in a concrete, structured manner, the development of Northern Québec. All of the partners are displaying solidarity and responsibility and we are working together in the perspective of development that respects human beings, the sustainability of resources and the integrity of ecosystems.

The coming years will witness innovative projects such as northern greenhouses for market garden production, the marketing of ecocertified fishery products, immense parks at the outermost bounds of Québec, and schools adapted to their students.

Furthermore, Northern Québec is one of the biggest reserves of arable land in North America, which will enable the bio-food sector to develop in a striking, original manner.

Pierre CorbeilMinister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region

By advocating the adoption of concrete measures to put to good use mining and wildlife resources in a sustainable, responsible manner, the Plan Nord will also protect such resources for future generations.

From the standpoint of mining, the Plan Nord proposes a coordinated approach that bodes well for a new era marked by innovation in the realms of technology, environmental protection and social responsibility.

Through renewed practices, the economic development of the North will take place with a constant concern for the protection of wildlife and its habitats. The broadening of knowledge, technological advances and the consultation and involvement of local and Aboriginal populations will underpin all of these approaches and ensure their success.

Serge SimardMinister for Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and the Côte-Nord region

Pierre Arcand

T hrough their works, artists heighten awareness of the North.

Home Sweet HomeMargaret Orr, Cree Nation, Community of Chisasibi

Nuit blanchePierre Bureau, Nord-du-Québec

Retour de chasseurs à la Rivière George, UngavaRené Richard

MushumErnest Aness Dominique, Innu Nation

Un peu plus hautDyane Dastous, Côte-Nord

La complainte du lendemainJean Laforge, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

Eight Naskapi Women at Fort McKenzieJudas Tooma, Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach

Dessine-moi l’arbre Joséphine Bacon, Innu Nation À Chloé et Gilles

Dessine-moi l’arbreque tu es Dessine-moi la rivièreque tu as racontée Dessine-moi le ventqui t’a fait voyager Dessine-moi le feuqui brûle en nous Dis-moi que je suis ton au-delà,dis-moi que tu es mon au-delà,toi, l’animal blessé,tes ancêtres t’ont conduit à moipour me raconter les imagesde tes rêves. Reste un peu dans ma mémoire toi, l’homme, l’animal blessé,reste un peu dans ma mémoire. Tes murmures sonnentla sagesse d’une vie vécue,ton regard devine la paix,ton cœur bat au rythmedes battements d’ailes de l’aigle. Ton sommeil est habitépar les esprits de ton peuple métissilencieux. La nuit étoiléet’emporte dans un mondequi te garde vivant. Taken from Bâtons à message/Tshissinuashitakana, Mémoire d’encrier, Montréal, 2009, page 108.

This excerpt has been reproduced under a licence granted by Copibec.

Spring Time Ice

Maggie S. Kiatainaq, Inuit Nation, Community of Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION: FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABLE NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . .5

Chapter 1: A SHARED PERSPECTIVE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THAT THE NORTH POSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

1.1 A unifying vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

1.2 The Société du Plan Nord will coordinate the project’s implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

1.2.1 Role and governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

1.3 A territory suited to investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

1.4 Innovative partnerships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

1.5 Prioritize local and regional spinoff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

1.6 Adapt government rules, standards and programs to northern conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Chapter 2: ENSURE COMMUNITY WELL-BEING AND DEVELOPMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

2.1 Unique demographic evolution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

2.2 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

2.3 Manpower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

2.4 Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

2.5 Health and social services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

2.6 Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Chapter 3: HARNESS NORTHERN QUÉBEC’S ENORMOUS ECONOMIC POTENTIAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

3.1 Key advantages for economic development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

3.2 Energy resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

3.3 Mineral resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58

3.4 Forest resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65

3.5 Wildlife resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71

3.6 Tourism potential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76

3.7 Potential for bio-food production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79

Chapter 4: MAKE THE NORTH ACCESSIBLE THROUGH TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85

4.1 Develop an integrated transportation network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86

4.2 Telecommunications infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92

Chapter 5: PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

5.1 A fragile, changing territory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98

5.2 The means to ensure effective environmental assessment processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99

5.3 Commitments to ensure the preservation of biodiversity and foster sustainable use of it . . . . . . . . . .100

5.3.1 Devote half the territory that the Plan Nord covers to purposes other than industrial ones, environmental protection and safeguarding biodiversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100

5.3.2 Round out the network of protected areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Chapter 6: THE 2011-2016 PLAN NORD FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .109

6.1 Creation of the Fonds du Plan Nord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

6.2 The 2011-2016 action plan under the Plan Nord: $1.625 billion in investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

6.3 Investissement Québec’s equity participation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

CONCLUSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: The elaboration of the Plan Nord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .123

APPENDIX B: Members of the partners’ discussion table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .129

APPENDIX C: Proposal from the sustainable development discussion group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .131

APPENDIX D: Populations and territories included in the Plan Nord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .139

APPENDIX E: Sectorial initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .141

APPENDIX F: Organization charts indicating the links between the interveners participating in the implementation of the Plan Nord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .153

APPENDIX G: Figures, initialisms and abbreviations, and government departments and bodies . . . . . . . . .155

A northern landscape in Nunavik© David Rouault

INTRODUCTION

FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABLE NORTHERN DEVELOPMENT

The Plan Nord is the project of a generation. It first offered a perspective of

sustainable development in Québec and is now one of the biggest economic,

social and environmental development projects in our time.

6

PLAN NORD

The world is changing before our very eyes and

Québec must constantly renew itself if it wishes

to continue to fulfil itself in this new worldwide

economic space.

The gouvernement du Québec is determined to open

new horizons to Québec talent to enable it to express

itself the world over. The government’s initiatives in

recent years have sought to develop new spaces by

bolstering its relations and alliances with France, the

European Union, the emerging economies, and its

neighbours in Canada and the United States.

Accordingly, the government has concluded:

■ the France-Québec agreement on the

recognition of occupational qualifications and

individual mobility;

■ a Québec-Ontario trade and cooperation

agreement;

■ a long-term agreement with Vermont

concerning the sale of Québec hydroelectricity.

In addition to these agreements, the Canadian

common market and the North American Free

Trade Agreement (NAFTA) give Québec special

access to the North American continent. Québec

has an export-oriented economy and has always

taken advantage of market openness. Through the

Plan Nord, we are gaining access to new horizons.

Northern Québec is an immense, majestic territory

abounding in resources. Their history and culture

make the territory’s residents unique. Its rivers have

enormous hydroelectricity potential and the territory

also has inestimable mineral resources. Its scenery

and wildlife offer appreciable potential for tourism.

The Plan Nord proposes a sustainable development

model that will allow the natural resources to be

developed in a spirit of respect for the environment

and ecosystems for the benefit of Northern Québec

residents and all Quebecers.

We have elaborated the Plan Nord in partnership. It

stems from the reflections of the gouvernement du

Québec, regional elected representatives and the

representatives of the First Nations and the Inuit

who, along with the representatives of the economic,

social, community and environmental sectors, have

envisaged the North of tomorrow.

The Plan Nord will be carried out over a period

of 25 years. The initiative will lead to over

$80 billion in investments during that time and

create or consolidate, on average, 20 000 jobs

a year for 25 years, equivalent to 500 000 man-

years. The scope of the Plan Nord will make it in

the coming decades what the development of La

Manicouagan and James Bay were to the 1960s

and 1970s. It is planning development differently, i.e. in

consultation with the regions concerned.

This document presents the perspective underlying the

Plan Nord, the objectives pursued and the initiatives

to be undertaken. It proposes an initial five-year plan

that encompasses the measures in the initial phase of

the Plan Nord.

Chapter 1 proposes the establishment of a government

corporation with its own board of directors, which will

have a mandate to coordinate government initiatives

bearing in mind the private investment announced

north of the 49th parallel. The corporation will ensure

the integrated, coherent development of Northern

7


Québec. In particular, it will have a mandate to act

as a mandatary in the development and funding of

infrastructure and in the social field.

Chapter 2 concerns the investment projects

anticipated over the next five years to enable northern

populations to participate fully in the sustainable

development of Northern Québec. Accordingly, it

sets out the development projects in the realms of

education, manpower, housing, health and culture.

Chapter 3 describes the immense resources found in

Northern Québec and defines investment projects in

the energy, mining, forest and wildlife sectors and

the tourism and bio-food industries.

Chapter 4 focuses on access to this vast territory

and indicates investment projects in the realms

of transportation and communications that are

essential for Northern Québec’s development.

Chapter 5 examines the environmental perspective

of the development of Northern Québec and the

measures to protect ecosystems advocated within

the framework of sustainable development.

Lastly, Chapter 6 presents the financial framework

of the first action plan (2011-2016) under the

Plan Nord. Innovative funding measures will enable

the government to implement the Plan Nord in a

spirit of respect for its objectives from the standpoint

of fiscal balance and debt reduction.

The Plan Nord establishes a new partnership

between the private sector and local residents, the

First Nations and the Inuit to enable them to achieve

self-fulfilment. It allows for better control over our

resources in order to enrich our society and attain

greater energy independence. It proposes more

effective conception of the sustainable development

of Northern Québec in a spirit of respect for the

environment and biodiversity.

Above all, the Plan Nord opens new horizons to

future generations of Quebecers and will offer

the world the example of modern, sustainable,

harmonious development.

8

PLAN NORD

1. Electrical energy generated by means of sunlight.2. Rare-earth metals encompass chemical elements, i.e. lanthanides, scandium and yttrium, which are fairly abundant in the earth’s crust.

THE TERRITORY THAT THE PLAN NORD COVERS (Figure 1):

■ encompasses all of Québec’s territory north of the 49th parallel and north of the St. Lawrence River and the Gulf of St. Lawrence;

■ covers nearly 1.2 million km2 and accounts for 72% of Québec’s geographic area;

■ has one of the world’s biggest fresh water reserves;

■ accounts over three-quarters of Québec’s installed hydroelectric power generation capacity and the potential of its untapped water, wind and photovoltaic1 resources is at least just as considerable;

■ encompasses over 200 000 km2 of commercial forests that represent more than 53% of Québec’s operable forests;

■ has outstanding wildlife resources, including two herds of migrating caribou and internationally renowned salmon rivers;

■ offers, among vast intact natural territories in the world, some of the last potential for preservation;

■ comprises 63 towns, villages and communities linked to the rest of Québec by road, rail, maritime or airport infrastructure. However, nearly half of them are not linked to the Québec road network;

■ is governed, by and large, by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement and the Northeastern Quebec Agreement;

■ produces all of Québec's nickel, cobalt, platinum group metals, zinc, iron ore and ilmenite, and accounts for a significant portion of gold production. Lithium, vanadium and rare-earth metals2 are also found there.

9

Baie d'Hudson

Golfe du Saint-Laurent

Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent

OntarioNouvelle-Écosse

Nouveau-Brunswick

Nunavut

États-Unis

Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador

Île-du-Prince-Édouard

Tracé de 1927 du Conseil privé (non définitif)

(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé

MRCMinganie

MRCCaniapiscau

MRCGolfe-du-

Saint-Laurent

MRCManicouagan

MRCSept-Rivières

MRCMaria-

Chapdelaine MRCLe Fjord-

du-Saguenay

MRC Le

Domaine- du-Roy

MRCLa

Haute-Côte-Nord

SAGUENAY–LAC-SAINT-JEAN

CÔTE-NORD

55°

60°

60°

65°

65°

70°

70°

75°

75°

80°

80°85°

60° 60°

55° 55°

50° 50°

45° 45°

Area Covered by the Plan Nord

0 200 km

Production

Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la FauneDirection générale adjointe de l'information géographique

Note : This document has no legal standing.

© Gouvernement du Québec, 2010

SourcesData Territorial divisions

Organization Year

MRNF 2010

Territorial boundaries

Borders

Interprovincial borderInternational border

(non-definitive)Québec – Newfoundland and Labrador border

NORD-DU-QUÉBEC

Nunavik

Territoire de la Baie-Jameset

Eeyou Istchee

Area covered by the Plan NordAdministrative region boundary

Southern boundary of NunavikRegional county municipality (RCM) boundary


FIGURE 1

10

PLAN NORD

THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THEREThe territory’s population:

■ accounts for less than 2% of Québec’s population overall, equivalent to just over 120 000 people, including 33 000 Aboriginals;

■ includes residents of the James Bay, Saguenay and Côte-Nord regions, 30% of whom are under 24 years of age, a proportion that reaches 50% in the Aboriginal communities;

■ lives in 63 towns, villages and communities grouped together in five regional conferences of elected officers (RCEOs) and nine regional county municipalities (RCMs). However, there are no RCMs in the Nord-du-Québec region, which is divided, at the 55th parallel, into two major areas, i.e. James Bay/Eeyou Istchee and Nunavik.

The Inuit and the First Nations:

■ Nearly 10 000 Inuit live mainly in 14 Northern villages,3 with between 200 and 2 200 inhabitants. The Northern villages are located on the coast of Hudson Bay, Hudson Strait and Ungava Bay.

■ The Cree Nation, with a population of some 16 000 people, is concentrated, above all, in nine communities4 located on the east coast of James Bay and inland from the drainage basin.

■ The Innu Nation5 encompasses nine communities (eight in the Côte-Nord region and one in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region) with a total population of over 16 000, of whom more than 9 300 live in the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

■ The Naskapi Nation numbers nearly 1 000 people in the community of Kawawachikamach, 15 km north of Schefferville.

The main local communities are found:

■ in the Côte-Nord region, where over 70 000 people live mainly in the towns of Sept-Îles, Baie-Comeau, Port-Cartier, Fermont and Havre-Saint-Pierre;

■ in the James Bay region, which has one municipality and four cities6 with a total population of nearly 15 000 inhabitants;

■ in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, where approximately 2 000 people live in the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

3. Akulivik, Aupaluk, Inukjuak, Ivujivik, Kangiqsualujjuaq, Kangiqsujuaq, Kangirsuk, Kuujjuaq, Kuujjuarapik, Puvirnituq, Quaqtaq, Salluit, Tasiujaq, and Umiujaq.

4. Chisasibi, Eastmain, Mistissini, Nemaska, Oujé-Bougoumou, Waswanipi, Waskaganish, Wemindji, and Whapmagoostui.

5. Betsiamites, Essipit, Unamen Shipu, Matimekush–Lac-John, Ekuanitshit, Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, Mashteuiatsh, Natashquan, and Pakuashipi (the latter three communities participated in the elaboration of the Plan Nord).

6. Municipalité de la Baie-James, Chapais, Chibougamau, Lebel-sur-Quévillon, and Matagami.

12

Matagami and its environs © Tourisme Québec

CHAPTER 1

A SHARED PERSPECTIVE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES THAT THE NORTH POSES

The development of Northern Québec is a megaproject by virtue of the vastness

of the territory, the dispersal of communities and their cultural distinctiveness, the

fragility of the environment, and the level of investment required. The number of

partners involved and the extent of needs, especially from the standpoint of access,

training, reception and housing infrastructure, pose many challenges.

14

PLAN NORD

“The Plan Nord must be an exemplary sustainable development project that integrates energy, mining, forest, bio-food, tourism, and transportation development, the development of wildlife, environmental protection, and the preservation of biodiversity. It will foster development for the benefit of the communities concerned and Québec overall, in a spirit of respect for cultures and identities.”

The success of such an ambitious project hinges on

a shared vision.

1.1 A UNIFYING VISION

As soon as Québec Premier Jean Charest announced

the project, a consensus-building effort was launched to

involve in the Plan Nord’s elaboration the communities

located in this immense territory. The gouvernement

du Québec elaborated a comprehensive initiative.

The vision of the Plan Nord developed in collaboration

with the partners was the subject of one of the first

consensuses achieved by the partners’ discussion

table. It is expressed in the following manner:

15

1. See Appendix A for additional information on the elaboration of the Plan Nord.

A SHARED PERSPECTIVE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES

THAT THE NORTH POSES

THE ELABORATION OF AND FOLLOW-UP TO THE PLAN NORD1

The Plan Nord completed a decisive stage during the partners’ meeting on November 6, 2009. Chaired by Deputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord Nathalie Normandeau, the gathering assembled 200 participants from different backgrounds directly concerned by this process.

Authorities involved in the Plan Nord

■ The Plan Nord ministerial committee The committee, comprising 16 ministers, will ensure follow-up to the implementation of the Plan Nord.

■ The partners’ discussion table The discussion table is at the forefront of the consensus building achieved within the framework of the elaboration of the Plan Nord. It met throughout the elaboration process to reflect on the issues and challenges that Northern Québec’s development poses.

■ The Aboriginal partners’ discussion table The discussion table, made up of representatives of the nations and communities concerned, was asked to discuss Aboriginal questions specific to the territory covered.

■ Working groups, the steering committee, and support networks The working groups comprised representatives from all backgrounds and were an invaluable source of information. The support networks were established to offer their expertise to these groups. The steering committee coordinated the deliberations.

During the process, the partners decided to maintain the entire consensus-building structure in order to pursue their participation in the approach adopted.

16

PLAN NORD

THE MEANS OF ACQUIRING KNOWLEDGEThe acquisition of knowledge will be at the forefront of the government’s initiatives. It is essential to use reliable, valid data to ensure the sustainable, orderly development of Northern Québec. In other words, knowledge is essential for action.

The government intends, first and foremost, to build bridges between Québec and foreign researchers, promoters and decision-makers. It acknowledges the need to better evaluate, in particular, the environmental impact of development projects both on natural ecosystems and human communities. It is also seeking to put to good use knowledge from the Aboriginal communities.

To coordinate the acquisition, production and development of initiatives and services linked to knowledge of the territory that the Plan Nord covers, the government has already established a specific Plan Nord ministerial committee comprising representatives of government departments and bodies involved in the collaborative network approach to geographical information (ACRIgéo). The committee will play a pivotal role in the government in respect of all initiatives centred on the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the populations and territories that the Plan Nord covers. It will develop a platform through which will be shared with all of the partners concerned, including the First Nations and the Inuit, the knowledge acquired, especially basic geographic knowledge from the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune.

The research and knowledge development support network, which was established during the elaboration of the Plan Nord, has also aroused undoubted interest in the university network. More than 65 organizations have expressed an interest in participating in this network, which could involve as many as 1 750 researchers. It will be important to pursue these approaches and establish links between the groups to ensure the broadest possible dissemination of the knowledge acquired, which is essential to the integrated development of Northern Québec.

17

The Plan Nord is the outcome of over 60 meetings

of sectorial working and consensus-building groups

that assembled nearly 450 participants.

This initiative led to the establishment of discussion

tables that remain active and will continue to

influence the Plan Nord’s approach. Through

this representative, participatory organization, the

Plan Nord will be a model of sustainable development

that reconciles social and economic development

and environmental protection.

■ From a social perspective, the projects

put forward within the framework of the

Plan Nord will make provision for local and

regional spinoff. More specifically, account

will be taken of questions pertaining to

housing, access to health services, the

maintenance and establishment of educational

institutions, access to childcare services,

and the existence of cultural institutions.

■ From an economic perspective, the

Plan Nord will engender significant economic

activity that will alter the course of the

development of local and Aboriginal

communities by offering the numerous

young people in these regions promising

projects and by creating wealth that will

benefit Québec as a whole.

■ As for environmental protection, the

implementation of the Plan Nord will serve as a

model of sustainable development. Questions

related, in particular, to the protection of

ecosystems and the preservation of habitats

will serve as essential criteria in respect of

any development project, while 50% of the

territory will be reserved for purposes other

than industrial ones, environmental protection

and the safeguarding of biodiversity.

Throughout its elaboration, the Plan Nord has relied

on a sustainable development approach bearing

in mind the 16 specific principles defined in the

Sustainable Development Act (R.S.Q., c. D-8.1.1).

Accordingly, from the outset of reflection, through

the sectorial working and consensus-building

groups, up to the implementation of projects, the

Plan Nord reflects a desire to proceed differently.

The sustainable development of Northern Québec

implies reviewing ways of doing things and acting

differently.

The sustainable development of Northern Québec implies

reviewing ways of doing things and acting differently.

POLICY DIRECTIONS LINKED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PLAN NORD2

The Plan Nord will support the realization of

projects by relying on coherent policy direc-

tions that satisfy, overall, the main concerns

stemming from an approach centred on sus-

tainable development:

■ Ensure the application of a sustainable

development approach centred on the

essential needs of local and Aboriginal

communities in the territory that the

Plan Nord covers, their identity, and

cultural heritage.



2. The policy directions are drawn from the report of the sustainable development focus group (see Appendix C).

18

PLAN NORD

3. See Chapter 6 for additional information on the Fonds du Plan Nord.

■ Support development that respects

the quality of the environment and its

biodiversity and allows for collective

social and economic enrichment.

■ Apply integrated analytical approaches

in respect of different uses of the

territory that hinge on past or ongoing

reflection, bearing in mind existing

legislative frameworks, agreements

and planning initiatives.

Through the government corporation, the govern-

ment is confirming its determination to make the

development of the North a priority and adopt the

means necessary to implement the priority in an

orderly, practical and sustainable manner.

1.2 THE SOCIÉTÉ DU PLAN NORD WILL COORDINATE THE PROJECT’S IMPLEMENTATION

The consensus building that led to the elaboration

of the Plan Nord will continue throughout its imple-

mentation. To this end, a coordination mechanism

specifically devoted to the concerted implementa-

tion of development projects under the Plan Nord

will be established.

Bearing in mind what is at stake, it is imperative that

the body be public and accountable to Quebecers.

The government will, therefore, create through legis-

lation the Société du Plan Nord.

The Société du Plan Nord will coordinate public

investment in strategic transportation and telecom-

munications infrastructure and in the social sector.

The government corporation will also be responsible

for the implementation of social measures, in col-

laboration with the government departments and

bodies concerned.

THE SOCIÉTÉ DU PLAN NORD:

■ will play a leading role in the

implementation of the Plan Nord;

■ will report to the Deputy Premier,

Minister of Natural Resources and

Wildlife and Minister responsible for

the Plan Nord;

■ will assume responsibility for projects

funded by the Fonds du Plan Nord.3

1.2.1 Role and governance

The Société du Plan Nord will play a key role in the

implementation of the Plan Nord.

■ The government corporation will coordinate

the implementation of infrastructure projects

included in the first five-year action plan.

■ The Société du Plan Nord will define the

scheduling of projects and plan their

implementation.

■ It will coordinate the implementation of

the Plan Nord with the partners involved, in

particular Hydro-Québec and government

departments and bodies. Such coordination

will take into account the private investments

announced.

19

■ The government corporation will, with respect

to the projects for which it is responsible,

negotiate financing packages covering the

development of infrastructure before granting

a mandate to carry out the projects.

The Société du Plan Nord will conclude

agreements to this effect with the

government departments and bodies

concerned.

The Société du Plan Nord will also negotiate

financing agreements with the private-sector

users of new transportation infrastructure

that cover both the construction and

maintenance of such infrastructure.

The Société du Plan Nord will also act as a key partner

in respect of local and Aboriginal communities that it

can guide and support in their own community and

social development projects.

Under the Plan Nord, Hydro-Québec will assume a

specific, strategic role. The Société du Plan Nord will

collaborate with the government corporation to plan

its initiatives in order to benefit to the utmost from

them, bearing in mind the policy directions that the

partners’ discussion table adopted.

The board of directors of the Société du Plan Nord

will comprise representatives of the regions, the

Aboriginal nations, the private sector and the

gouvernement du Québec.

The governance rules applicable to the Société du

Plan Nord will directly draw inspiration from those in

the Act respecting the governance of state-owned

enterprises (R.S.Q., c. G-1.02).

The Société de développement de la Baie-

James, established in the early 1970s, will pursue its

current activities and its mandates will be adapted,

as needed.

1.3 A TERRITORY SUITED TO INVESTMENT

Through the Société du Plan Nord’s role as the key

coordinator and the consensus-building structure,

the Plan Nord can establish new partnerships

adapted to the territory and its specific constraints.

To support the new partnerships, the government

will create levers to interest Québec, Canadian

and international businesses to invest in Québec.

Investissement Québec, the gouvernement du

Québec’s key economic development lever, will, in

particular, be called upon. Investissement Québec

will facilitate the realization of projects through its

business solutions, ranging from loans to equity

investments, and will promote the Plan Nord through

its investment prospecting initiatives abroad.



20

PLAN NORD

1.4 INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Incentives specific to the new northern economic

space will also be implemented to maximize local

and regional spinoff.

The partners contemplated will seek, for example,

to satisfy several uses. Accordingly, transportation,

energy and telecommunications infrastructure could

be built to afford access to a new mining camp

that encompasses several deposits, thus providing

access to trapping lands and, possibly, outfitting

operations and other tourist infrastructure, while

benefiting neighbouring communities. In this way,

the development of the North will rely on integrated

planning and become a model of sustainable

development.

PROMOTE NORTHERN QUÉBEC ABROADThe gouvernement du Québec is engaging in a sustained, original international initiative. In this way, it is seeking to attract qualified workers and investments, open up new markets to Québec entrepreneurs, broaden cooperation in fields such as the environment, sustainable development and scientific research, and promote Québec’s culture.

Coordinated by the ministère des Relations internationales, Québec’s international initiatives involve the entire government, including government corporations with an economic mission, such as Investissement Québec, and the network of Québec government offices abroad, mainly comprising seven general delegations, five delegations and 11 offices.

The organization of Québec’s international initiatives is being called upon to promote the Plan Nord abroad. The government also intends to promote and publicize Northern Québec, whether by means of cultural or diplomatic activities.

Accordingly, the Plan Nord will be part of the investment solicitation campaigns that Investissement Québec conducts abroad. It will be at the forefront of the government’s economic and cultural missions abroad and will be included in the information given to investors wishing to learn more about Québec.

The northern business model contemplated may

also ensure that the cost of building and maintaining

such infrastructure is shared throughout its useful

life by the enterprises and communities concerned,

other users and the gouvernement du Québec.

21

1.5 PRIORITIZE LOCAL AND REGIONAL SPINOFF

To ensure socially responsible, sustainable develop-

ment, the Plan Nord also advocates maximizing

spinoff from the development of the territory and

its resources for local and regional communities in

order to enhance their living conditions.

All of the development projects carried out in the

territory in question will necessarily make provision

for such spinoff. One or more mechanisms will be

adopted in collaboration with the partners.

This principle assumes that the optimal use of local

human, financial, informational, technological or

other resources is promoted and developed. Several

measures can be adopted to maximize local and

regional socioeconomic spinoff when projects are

implemented, including the hiring of local workers,

worker training, and the development of expertise

in the regions.

In several sectors of activity, local or regional

authorities can act as promoters and participate in

the Plan Nord to broaden its benefits and diversify

economic activities in their region.

1.6 ADAPT GOVERNMENT RULES, STANDARDS AND PROGRAMS TO NORTHERN CONDITIONS

The regions concerned by the Plan Nord are

different from the rest of Québec. Government

programs and services must take into account their

distinctive features and be adjusted so that northern

communities have access to services similar to those

offered elsewhere in Québec.

Occasionally, the modification of certain eligibility

criteria, such as the critical mass necessary, the initial

investment requested or the maximum combined

government assistance authorized, does not require

substantial investments and may suffice to allow

the application of programs in certain territories

that could not otherwise benefit from them. The

government undertakes to elaborate innovative

measures to adjust government rules and standards

to reflect regional conditions.

Participants in the deliberations pertaining to the

Plan Nord have pinpointed specific situations in

which conditions in Northern Québec are not taken

into account, e.g. culture, education, housing and so

on. Each participating sector of activity commits itself

to take the distinctive features into account so that

government rules, standards and programs satisfy

the special needs of the northern regions. Certain

commitments in the first five-year action plan under

the Plan Nord already confirm the government’s

willingness to do so.



22

PLAN NORD

EXAMPLES OF MODERN PARTNERSHIP The Raglan mine operated by Xstrata Nickel in Nunavik

Production at the mine commenced in 1998. The partnership agreement with the Inuit makes provision, in particular, for:

■ priority to be given to the Inuit in employment;

■ training adapted to the Inuit;

■ priority to be given to Inuit enterprises;

■ follow-up in respect of environmental impact;

■ financial compensation;

■ the establishment of a permanent committee to monitor commitments.

In 2010 alone, spinoff for the Inuit in the form of employment income, contracts for Inuit enterprises and their share of profits stood at over $80 million.

Goldcorp and the Cree Nation

In February 2011, Goldcorp and the Cree community of Wemindji, in collaboration with the Grand Council of the Crees and the Cree Regional Authority, signed a partnership agreement with a view to operating a gold mine under the Éléonore project.

The agreement, which will be in force for the entire duration of the mine’s operation, makes provision, in particular, for jobs for the Cree, contracts for Cree enterprises and specific initiatives pertaining to training and education through which the company will invest in the development of the Cree population’s skills and in the establishment of training and education service points.

New Millennium and the Naskapi Nation

In June 2010, New Millennium Capital Corporation and the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach, near Schefferville, concluded an agreement on the operation of the former Iron Ore Company (IOC) mines closed in 1982. The agreement, whose period of application corresponds to the operation of the mine, covers the development of direct-charge (unprocessed) iron ore.

Under the agreement, the Naskapi will benefit from adapted training, jobs and business opportunities.

In particular, New Millennium is offering an equity interest in the project and spinoff from it. The company is committed to respecting the environment and protecting the culture of the Naskapi Nation.

Hydro-Québec and the Innu

In 2008 and 2009, Hydro-Québec concluded partnership agreements with the Municipalité régionale de comté de Minganie and the Innu communities of Natashquan, Pakua Shipi, Unamen Shipu and Ekuanitshit, which will be in force until 2070. The agreements are intended to maximize the project’s spinoff for the communities concerned.

23

A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE FIRST NATIONS AND THE INUIT BASED ON MUTUAL RESPECT AND PARTNERSHIPThroughout the process, the First Nations concerned and the Inuit (Figure 2) have expressed the

desire to participate fully in the Plan Nord’s elaboration and implementation as partners within

a framework that respects their aspirations and specific context. More specifically, the following

principles have been put forward to make possible the partnerships that they wish to establish:

■ the maintenance of a Nation-to-Nation relationship;

■ the obligation to properly consult the populations;

■ participation by the Aboriginal peoples both in decision-making processes and the

realization of development projects;

■ respect for the principles of sustainable development;

■ respect for the Aboriginal culture and identity;

■ respect for the treaties and agreements already signed and impending.

The discussions that led to the elaboration of the Plan Nord were conducted on a Nation-to-

Nation basis and the gouvernement du Québec intends to maintain this special relationship. This

Nation-to-Nation dialogue will thus continue throughout the implementation of the Plan Nord

by means of the mechanisms adopted. Québec’s political and Aboriginal decision-makers will

maintain the close ties that they have developed in recent months within the framework of the

Plan Nord elaboration process.

RESPECT FOR EXISTING AND FUTURE AGREEMENTS

The Plan Nord and its implementation respect and must always respect existing agreements and

the gouvernement du Québec’s obligations to the Aboriginal peoples. The Plan Nord may not

replace the existing mechanisms that allow for certain questions to be handled on a Nation-to-

Nation basis, such as those that are already subject to negotiation. The gouvernement du Québec

will make it its duty to abide by these commitments.

It should be noted that the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement (JBNQA) and the

Northeastern Quebec Agreement govern relations between the gouvernement du Québec, the

Government of Canada and the Inuit, Cree and Naskapi nations. These agreements entrust to the

Aboriginal nations significant responsibilities with respect to health and social services, education,

hunting, fishing and trapping. Moreover, they make provision for measures pertaining to the

management of the territory, the establishment of administrative structures and the allocation

of funding to cover the management of such responsibilities.



24

PLAN NORD

More recently, Québec concluded with the same nations partnership agreements aimed at

ensuring their economic and community development. In 2002, the Agreement Respecting a

New Relationship Between the Cree Nation and the Government of Quebec (the Peace of the

Braves) was concluded with the Cree Nation and the Sanarrutik Agreement was concluded

with the Inuit. In 2009, an economic and community development agreement was signed with

the Naskapi.

Since 2004, the Innu communities of Mashteuiatsh, Essipit and Nutakuan, all of them signatories

to the Agreement-in-Principle of a General Nature between the First Nations of Mamuitun mak

Nutashkuan and the Governments of Quebec and Canada, have pursued negotiations with

a view to concluding a treaty. Provision is made in the agreement-in-principle to recognize

ancestral territories and for broader participation by the Innu communities in natural resource

development and such recognition and participation will be broached during the negotiations

under way.

Not only does the gouvernement du Québec intend to abide by the agreements but it will also

ensure that the implementation of the Plan Nord is sufficiently flexible to adapt to other ongoing

negotiations with the First Nations and the Inuit. It will thus satisfy the concerns voiced on many

occasions by the latter with respect to the realization of the Plan Nord in an evolving context.

Within the framework of the talks that will take place with all of the nations concerned, the

government will ensure that the necessary linkages are achieved, whether from the standpoint of

discussions with the Cree on governance, the negotiations concerning the regional government

in Nunavik, the negotiations with the Innu based on the Agreement-in-Principle of a General

Nature, or follow-up to the socioeconomic agreement with the Naskapi. The realization of the

Plan Nord will be sufficiently flexible to include along the way the Aboriginal communities invited

that have chosen until now not to participate in the process.

PURSUE THE INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN

The relations that the gouvernement du Québec maintains with the First Nations and the Inuit

encompass many current questions. Some examples are the expectations of the Cree, the Innu

and the Naskapi concerning the establishment of socioeconomic development measures and

issues pertaining to housing and the cost of living in Inuit communities.

The gouvernement du Québec will maintain its commitment to pursue talks with the Aboriginal

representatives concerned with a view to dealing with current questions that require more

immediate action. Depending on needs, the appropriate mechanisms can be agreed upon with

the Aboriginal nations to ensure that the handling of current questions progresses satisfactorily.

25

BE RECEPTIVE TO THE PARTNERS’ ASPIRATIONS TO ESTABLISH EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIPS

It is essential that the implementation of the Plan Nord satisfies the Aboriginal peoples’ concerns.

The active, pivotal presence of the populations in the Plan Nord elaboration process has enabled

them to be heard and ensure that their interests are taken into account. By maintaining this

presence, the Aboriginal peoples can continue to express their values and needs. Such dialogue

will certainly continue through the Aboriginal partners’ discussion table but will also express

itself within the framework of the realization of the Plan Nord.

The implementation of the measures adopted will occur in close collaboration since most of the

initiatives included in the Plan Nord will be accessible to the partners involved. Accordingly, aside

from the projects targeted specially by the Aboriginal nations, most of the initiatives can be

aimed both at the First Nations concerned and the Inuit. The initiatives will be carried out in

collaboration with the other partners in the wake of the new synergy that has emerged since the

launching of the Plan Nord elaboration process.

The economic space that the Plan Nord creates will afford the Aboriginal peoples numerous

opportunities to create jobs, establish business partnerships and carry out their own development

projects. Such economic activity will enhance the standard of living of the Aboriginal peoples through

broader access to the job market, in particular through manpower training programs. In the same

way, the Plan Nord will foster a social partnership through concrete measures in fields such as housing

and education.

The Plan Nord thus becomes an additional tool through which the First Nations and the Inuit can

participate more extensively in the coming years in the development of the territory. The Plan

Nord’s success can be measured, in particular, by the quality of the relations maintained with

the Aboriginal nations. The harmonization of relations between the communities is essential

to the creation in the new economic space of genuine synergy that promotes the emergence

of partnerships between the Aboriginal peoples, entrepreneurs, regional communities and

the gouvernement du Québec. Such relations also favour the establishment of a constructive

dialogue through which the complementarity of means and needs is self-evident. Moreover, such

dialogue can engender profitable initiatives of benefit to everyone.



26

PLAN NORD

SourcesData Territorial divisions

Organization Year

MRNF 2010

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent


Nouveau-Brunswick

Nunavut

États-Unis




(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé

MinganUashat

Aupaluk

Quaqtaq

Salluit

Umiujaq

Kuujjuaq

Tasiujaq

Ivujivik

Akulivik

Inukjuak

Wemindji

Eastmain

Nemiscau

Kangirsuk

Chisasibi

Waswanipi

Pakuashipi

Matimekosh

Puvirnituq

NatashquanMaliotenamLa Romaine

Mistissini

Pessamit

Waskaganish

Kangiqsujuaq

KuujjuarapikWhapmagoostui

Oujé-Bougoumou

Kawawachikamach

Kangiqsualujjuaq

EssipitMashteuiatsh

55°

60°

60°

65°

65°

70°

70°

75°

75°

80°

80°85°

60° 60°

55° 55°

50° 50°

45° 45°

Aboriginal Communities

Area covered by the Plan Nord

Borders



Territorial boundaries

Southern boundary of the areas subject to agreementsAboriginal community

0 200 km

ProductionMinistère des Ressources naturelles et de la FauneDirection générale adjointe de l'information géographiqueNote : This document has no legal standing.


Nitassinan as defined in EPOGCategory landsCategory lands

FIGURE 2

Innu children by the sea in Unaman Shipu © Marc Tremblay

CHAPTER 2

ENSURE COMMUNITY WELL-BEING AND DEVELOPMENT

Northern Québec has a wealth of resources, but its main asset is neither in the land

nor in the water, but is instead its residents, who are noteworthy for their youth,

craving for the future and desire to develop their living environment.

30

PLAN NORD

2.1 UNIQUE DEMOGRAPHIC EVOLUTION

Between 1991 and 2006, the territory that the Plan

Nord covers experienced demographic evolution

contrary to that in Québec as a whole (Figure 3).

While Québec’s population increased by nearly

10% during the period, that of the territory that

the Plan Nord covers declined by nearly 3%, from

124 500 to 121 000 inhabitants. At the same time,

the Aboriginal population grew markedly and its

demographic weight rose from 17.7% to 27.1%

of the total population in the territory that the

Plan Nord covers.

A comparison of data for 1991 and 2006 reveals

that the non-Aboriginal population in the territory

that the Plan Nord covers aged markedly during

that time. The opposite was true in the Aboriginal

communities. Young people up to the age of

FIGURE 3Breakdown, by age group, of the population of Québec as a whole and the territory that the Plan Nord covers, 2006

Source: Statistics Canada, Census of Population.Excerpted from: Le Plan Nord, un nouvel espace économique à développer: Indicateurs démographiques, 2009.

14 are twice as numerous, individuals 65 or over

account for 4.5% of the population, less than half

the figure for Québec overall (13.2%).

The figures confirm that the populations in the

territory that the Plan Nord covers are young and

that they constitute in the long term a noteworthy

labour pool.

These changes in the populations are exerting

considerable pressure on education and healthcare

services. Housing needs are significant and cultural

infrastructure should be upgraded.

Accordingly, the initiation of development projects

within the framework of the Plan Nord will depend

on the availability of services adapted to the needs of

communities, workers who arrive from outside the

region, and their families.

Québec as a whole

40%

35%

30%

25%

16.9%

13.2%

17.1%

11.0%

34.4%

4.5%

0-14

15-24

25-44

45-64

65 and over

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%Non-Aboriginal population in the territory that the Plan Nord covers

Aboriginal population in the territory that the Plan Nord covers

31

The priority initiatives to support communities are indicated below.

SUBJECT COORDINATORPARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS

OR BODIES

Reduce the cost of living in Nunavik, mainly food and transportation costs

SAA MTQ

Create a Fonds de développement coopératif du Nunavik MDEIE

Pursue the implementation of the Fonds pour la réalisation d’initiatives régionales et locales (FRIRL)

MRNF

Establish government guidance measures for the communities concerned by major projects1

Gouvernement du Québec

Take into account northern conditions in the elaboration of the Québec entrepreneurship strategy

MDEIE MELS, SAA, MESS

Heighten awareness among businesses established in Northern Québec of the question of sustainable development

MDEIE MDDEP

1. For example, through the establishment of a committee to maximize economic spinoff or a committee to support community economic development projects.

2. CFP A.W. Gagné, CFP de la Jamésie, CFP de Waswanipi, CFP Nunavimmi Pigiursavik, CFP Roberval, and CFP de Baie-Comeau.

3. Cégep de Baie-Comeau, Cégep de Sept-Îles and Centre d’études collégiales de Chibougamau (under the authority of the Cégep de Saint-Félicien).

2.2 EDUCATION

In the realm of education, there are six Centres de

formation professionnelle (CFPs)1 and three CEGEPs2

in the territory that the Plan Nord covers. While no

university maintains permanent facilities north of

the 49th parallel, some university services are also

offered there. The Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and

Abitibi-Témiscamingue regions also have institutions

located near the territory in question. Infrastructure

does, therefore, exist to develop new training fully

adapted to the needs of businesses and the culture of

THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT ACTION PLAN

the communities concerned, and also offer training

in greater numbers of remote points of service.

However, two problems must be overcome. The

first problem is of an organizational nature. The very

maintenance of existing services is already posing a

challenge. Teaching and professional staff numbers

in the territory that the Plan Nord covers are

subject to high turnover, which compels officials to

constantly seek qualified personnel that is motivated

to remain in the regions.


32

PLAN NORD

The second obstacle is of an entirely different nature.

Aboriginal young people are hardly inclined to study

in the existing environment. Moreover, it is to be

hoped that the promise of a good job will raise the

graduation rate. In this territory, roughly 24%4 of

students leave school with neither a diploma nor

any qualification, which is similar to the figure for

Québec as a whole. The situation among Aboriginal

students is entirely different. During the 2008-2009

school year, 70% of Naskapi young people, 81% of

Inuit young people and 92% of Cree young people

interrupted their school path without obtaining

either a diploma or any qualification.

Numerous solutions must be contemplated: the

enhancement of consensus-building mechanisms

between the institutions and the partners concerned,

the availability of telecommunications tools that

facilitate distance education at all levels of education,

a more flexible organizational model adapted to

4. Two criteria apply to final year students with neither a diploma nor qualifications: during the year, they obtain neither a diploma nor qualifications and do not register anywhere else in Québec the following year, either in general education (young people or adults), occupational training or in CEGEP.

local conditions, the adjustment of programs and

standards, and the adaptation of teaching tools to

conditions in northern communities.

Moreover, it is also necessary to elaborate a

development plan in respect of university services.

Collaboration between the regions, broader partici-

pation by university partners, inter-level education

discussion tables and the RCEOs, and the involve-

ment of private-sector partners are key factors to

ensure the availability of such services.

It is also necessary to elaborate a development plan in respect

of university services.

33

UNIVERSITY SERVICESThe development of university services in the territory that the Plan Nord covers must rely on the collaboration of various interveners. Accordingly, it requires:

1) support from community assets: regional stakeholders, in particular the RCEOs and inter-level education discussion tables, which assemble interveners from all levels of education, support existing networks and they must continue to play their consensus-building role in the definition of university services;

2) the involvement of university partners: recourse to the services of universities that have developed a specialization in a specific niche will be encouraged to promote the diversification of university training and the acquisition of expertise in Northern Québec;

3) the development of distance training: high travel costs and the obligation to adapt to students’ needs make unavoidable recourse to distance training and the involvement of other universities, including Télé-université;

4) the involvement of private-sector partners: regional organizations must take advantage of the presence of big businesses to initiate shared-cost training projects that would ensure their participation in training and university research;

5) joint action with other levels of education: the inter-level education discussion tables should be asked to play a leading role in the pooling of resources, e.g. premises, equipment, the development of training programs, and support or tutorial services for distance training.


34

PLAN NORD

THE EDUCATION ACTION PLAN

School success, persistence in school and the

acquisition of initial qualification by as many individuals

as possible is the key objective of the Plan Nord in

the realm of education. Four key directions have been

adopted in the first five-year plan (2011-2016):

1. Enrich partnerships: Joint action by the

education and labour sectors and government

departments is essential to propose solutions

to the development of local skills.

2. Constantly adapt government action:

Programs must be adapted to conditions in

the northern regions and adjusted accordingly.

Authorization processes governing targeted

occupational and technical training programs

must be enhanced and accelerated.

3. Modernize buildings and telecommunica-

tions services: It is important for educational

infrastructure to be adequate. In the same

way, access to telecommunications cannot

be ignored, especially for distance training

purposes.

4. Update data in the education sector:

To satisfy this need, it will be vital to acquire

and update statistics and an array of other data

on the regions that the Plan Nord covers.

35

The priority initiatives in the realm of education are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Develop a research program concerning Aboriginal persistence in school and school success

MELS

Offer learning paths adapted to students in Nunavik MELS

Establish the Echelon program for school success elaborated by the Nunavik School Board

MELS

Carry out the Nunavik Sivuniksavut project to develop a feeling of identity among Inuit young people

MELS MCCCF

Ensure follow-up with McGill University to the teacher training program for the Naskapi Nation

MELS

Redevelop the multi-purpose centre of the James Bay School Board

MELS

Establish multi-purpose centres at service points in the territory to offer occupational training programs

MELS

Implement a new regional coordination mechanism aimed at accelerating the development of university training and research and development services, especially on the Côte-Nord, to better support socioeconomic development in the territory that the Plan Nord covers

MELS

Stress among young people how important it is to pursue their studies

Local and Aboriginal communities

Create alliances in the communities to foster persistence in school among young people

Draw up a list, during the elaboration stage, of the skills required, from the standpoint of quality and number, for each project

Promoters/EnterprisesParticipate with the partners in the education sector and the

communities in producing an overview and an assessment of needs and, if necessary, invest with the partners in the development points of service


36

PLAN NORD

2.3 MANPOWER

The implementation of the Plan Nord is a new

challenge for Québec in terms of the development,

retention and attraction of workers. The enhancement

of the basic level of training acquired by residents of

the territory that the Plan Nord covers is a priority. The

territory’s residents will have to develop the requisite

skills, thereby maximizing local spinoff.

In addition to the challenge of developing and

training local manpower, another challenge stems

from the integration into local and Aboriginal

communities of workers from outside the territory.

In fact, it goes without saying that all efforts to

develop local employment will not suffice to satisfy

all needs and assemble all of the expertise that

projects under the Plan Nord require. Accordingly,

many workers from southern Québec might live

in the North, sometimes for long periods and

sometimes for short, repeated periods.

Throughout Québec, thousands of workers are

accustomed to this specific practice of working

outside one’s region of residence. In the case

of Hydro-Québec’s worksites and power plant

operations, for example, the work rotation of eight

days on and six days off is often advocated.

Workers from outside the territory will increase

demand for the entire range of services essential to

good quality of life.

To meet the challenge of on-site worker training and

the reception of workers from outside the territory,

each economic development project in the territory

that the Plan Nord covers must include from the

time of conception a precise list of the requisite

skills so that as many young people as possible from

the Aboriginal and local communities participate

rapidly in the process that leads to the acquisition

of the desired skills. The objective is to ensure that

the workers are ready to work when the projects

are launched. Such a plan should also stipulate the

number of workers who will come from outside the

territory and how many of them will work for short

and long periods of time.

The success of such an approach will require close

collaboration among all of the partners involved, i.e.

educational and training institutions, businesses, the

government, local communities, and the regional

councils of labour market partners.

The ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale

will be an active partner in recruiting and manpower

training initiatives in the North. An allocation of

$65 million over five years has already been

earmarked specifically for the territory that the

Plan Nord covers.

37

A MANPOWER STRATEGY ADAPTED TO NORTHERN CONDITIONSIn the development perspective in the territory that the Plan Nord covers is an integrated, sustainable conception of participation by local residents in their development. The implementation of a strategy in this territory at once encompasses job creation, the recruiting of qualified workers and the training of skilled local workers. The three factors are vital to the perspective of the harmonious development of the labour market in the North and also underpin the Plan Nord manpower strategy.

The manpower strategy must respectfully take into account human factors such as the diversity of populations, the isolation of communities and worksites, cultures, and living, varied regional and local values. Among the short-term factors pinpointed, three of them vividly illustrate the impending challenges:

■ renew and diversify over the next 10 years labour pools, especially on the Côte-Nord;

■ attract new qualified workers to the territory that the Plan Nord covers;

■ broaden the level of training and occupational qualification of current residents of the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

Accordingly, Emploi-Québec will initiate and support with its expertise a committee that will seek to ascertain manpower needs and implement an integrated strategy to train, retain and attract workers in the territory. In the short term, the strategy will cover three areas for intervention, although other areas could be added as needs are clarified.

An initial section consists in reviewing the diversity, accessibility and flexibility of ongoing training and pinpointing the specific needs of the Aboriginal communities. The analysis of training needs in the territory that the Plan Nord covers will help determine the location of four new multi-purpose training centres, one of which will be built in a Cree community.

A second section involving close collaboration between the employment and manpower sectors emphasizes vocational and technical training, including on-the-job training, tailor-made learning for businesses, and training in semi-specialized trades. Once again, the mobilization of the Aboriginal communities and a contribution from the school boards and educational institutions in the territory that the Plan Nord covers will be sought to maximize the training available. The school boards and educational institutions in the adjoining regions will be encouraged to participate in the development phase of adapted, quality training.

The third area of intervention concerns the problem of basic training for the territory’s residents. To ensure long-term labour force participation by qualified, skilled local workers in the territory that the Plan Nord covers raises the question of school success and persistence in school in elementary and secondary schools.


38

PLAN NORD

INVOLVEMENT BY ALL OF THE PARTNERS UNDER THE PLAN NORD

The implementation of the economic development projects stipulated under the Plan Nord will significantly increase demand for workers. While, as noted earlier, residents of the territory that the Plan Nord covers will be called upon to satisfy a significant portion of new needs, workers will inevitably come from elsewhere in Québec and even from outside Québec.

Women, the Aboriginal peoples and young people living in the territory that the Plan Nord covers are among the target populations to develop qualified local workers who take their place in sectors that are often non-traditional or little-known. In this respect, initiatives aimed at promoting in the target populations training in key sectors and the jobs available will be encouraged and sustained.

Businesses are seeking not only specialized workers and labourers but also engineers, technicians and foremen. Certain big forest products and mining companies are already collaborating with the government to establish training programs. Emploi-Québec will be an especially active partner to respond to these concerns.

Furthermore, the rapid increase in the need for workers from outside the territory will require special management of the conditions in which new workers and, as the case may be, their families, are accommodated. Measures to accelerate immigration procedures for certain specialized workers may also be contemplated.

From a social and cultural standpoint, a massive influx of workers needed to carry out major projects can exert considerable pressure on local communities. To meet this challenge, the communities affected will be able to rely on support from the government, which will offer them assistance adapted to their needs. Through a committee with the appropriate mandate and that has at its disposal the resources necessary and reports to the regional administrative conference concerned, the government will guide the communities in the identification of social and cultural problems, the analysis of impact, and the proposal of solutions. The government will also ensure that it engages in coherent, integrated measures in respect of communities with specific needs concerning, in particular, housing, municipal infrastructure, and childcare, health or education services.

The Société d’habitation du Québec will review or create housing programs for the municipalities affected by rapid population growth. The adapted programs would be aimed, in particular, at new households wishing to settle permanently in a municipality located in the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

The scope of the question of training and manpower development demands the collaboration of all of the partners under the Plan Nord, accompanied by the mobilization of communities, labour market interveners, the private sector and public organizations, especially educational institutions. It is in this context of partnership that Emploi-Québec is subscribing to this essential question in a perspective of developing qualified, efficient local and regional manpower.

39

Each economic development project in the territory that the Plan Nord covers must include from the time of conception a precise list of the requisite skills and

make provision for an adapted training plan including, in particular, the hiring of trainers and teachers, so that as many young as possible from the Aboriginal and local communities participate rapidly in the process that leads

to the acquisition of the desired skills.

EXAMPLES OF MANPOWER NEEDS AND TRAINING COSTS FOR MINING PROJECTS IN THE TERRITORY THAT THE PLAN NORD COVERS

FUNDED BY THE GOUVERNEMENT DU QUÉBEC

CÔTE-NORD Period Amount Number of jobs

Alouette 2010-2012 $750 800 240 maintained

IOC 2010-2014 $2 296 335 133 created,

416 maintained

Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines 2008-2011 $2 336 640 188 created, 60 maintained

Consolidated Thompson Iron Mines 2009-2010 $538 276 34 created for the Aboriginal peoples

NORD-DU-QUÉBEC Period Amount Number of jobs

Partnership for Cree employment 2009-2012 $6 205 449 418 Aboriginals

trained

Ressources Breakwater 2009-2010 $827 080 24 created,

45 maintained

Xstrata/Raglan 2007-2011 $2 652 158 170 created

TOTAL $15 606 783549 created

761 maintained 418 trained


40

PLAN NORD

THE MANPOWER ACTION PLAN

The priority initiatives in the realm of manpower are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Prepare a profile of manpower in the territory that the Plan Nord covers and periodically update it

MESS

Prepare an atlas that indicates the migratory patterns of workers active in the territory that the Plan Nord covers and periodically update it

MESS

Implement a major project to facilitate access by the Cree to the labour market

MESS FED

Support major projects that create and maintain jobs, especially in the mining sector

MESS

Group together the jobs offers of businesses that are recruiting in the territory that the Plan Nord covers under Emploi-Québec’s “Online Placement” service

MESS

Establish a home base for Hydro-Québec employees at the Chapais-Chibougamau airport

Hydro-Québec

Establish a new committee in the Plan Nord internal consultation mechanism on manpower and the labour market

MESS MRNF

Foster public support for economic development projects


Emphasize the acquisition of occupational skills

Collaborate with the partners to facilitate the development of training facilities

Establish with the partners training timetables to ensure that workers are ready at the right time

Promoters/Enterprises

Invest in the development of training facilities and the installation of proper equipment

Contribute to the hiring and recruiting of trainers

41

2.4 HOUSING

The development of the North and the arrival of

workers from outside the territory will pose for the

partners under the Plan Nord a challenge in respect

of reception, lodging and housing infrastructure

throughout the territory. This question cannot be

overlooked, especially in anticipation of projects that

might lead to rapid population growth or accelerated

community development.

The government intends to invest to contribute to

the solution, but once again new partnerships must

be established. Accordingly, the promoters of the

economic development projects elaborated

within the context of the Plan Nord must incor-

porate into the projects a housing component

5. Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse, Enquête portant sur les services de protection de la jeunesse dans la baie d’Ungava et la baie d’Hudson — Rapport, conclusions d’enquête et recommandations, April 2007, 82 pages. [www2.cdpdj.qc.ca/publications/Documents/rapport_Nunavik_francais.pdf]

HOUSING PROBLEMS IN THE ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIESShortcomings in the availability and quality of public housing are striking in Nunavik. In late 2010, the housing stock in the territory comprised roughly 2 400 public housing units that are often overpopulated and require renovation.

In 2009, the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ) estimated that 1 000 additional housing units would have to be built by 2015 to offset the shortfall noted. The shortage leads to overcrowding in the dwellings, which harms the occupants’ well-being, above all young people, and accelerates the deterioration of the housing. Moreover, the Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse5 mentions in the conclusions of the investigation that it conducted the social problems stemming from overcrowding in housing.

In addition, there are few owner-occupants in Nunavik, in particular because of high construction and occupancy costs. However, access to home ownership must be broadened there.

The situation is equally worrisome in the Cree and Naskapi communities. The federal government has an important role to play to solve this problem since housing on Indian reserves falls under its jurisdiction.

to contribute to the reception capacity of the

communities that welcome workers and their fam-

ilies from outside the territory.

Whereas the number of housing units elsewhere in

Québec is increasing steadily, the situation is entirely

different between the 49th and 55th parallels. A

significant shortage of affordable housing has been

observed in all municipalities in Northern Québec.

Furthermore, most dwellings are newer than in the

rest of Québec but in poorer condition because of

climatic conditions and overcrowding.


42

PLAN NORD

In addition, there is a shortage of housing for seniors

and dwellings that can accommodate several types

of clienteles, e.g. the disabled or seniors, families,

and so on, especially because of high construction

costs in the territory that the Plan Nord covers and

the limited means available to smaller communities

to support projects.

This situation will lead to significant pressure on the

communities when new projects or enterprises are

developed. For example, several communities on the

Côte-Nord are contending with this phenomenon

although housing projects for low- and moderate-

income households (families, single people,

autonomous seniors, autonomous disabled people)

or housing projects with services such as meals,

home support and housekeeping services for elderly

people experiencing a slight loss of autonomy are

being developed in Natashquan and Fermont.

INNOVATIVE PARTNERSHIPS IN THE REALM OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENTIn September 2010 and February 2011, agreements were concluded between the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune and the municipalities of Fermont and Port-Cartier.

Through these agreements, the government is delegating to the municipalities its power to manage certain public lands and the attendant revenues in exchange for a commitment from the municipalities to invest there to build new residential districts to accommodate new workers and their families.

The agreements centre on the principle of decentralization and innovation in procedures.

THE HOUSING ACTION PLAN

In order to respond to population growth and

pursuant to a tripartite five-year agreement signed

by the federal and Québec governments and Inuit

representatives, 340 housing units will be built

in Nunavik between 2010 and 2015. Under the

Plan Nord, the government also wishes to catch up

with respect to housing in Nunavik. Some 500 new

housing units will be built there during the first

five-year plan under the Plan Nord, i.e. 300 public

housing units and 200 housing units under a home-

ownership initiative (150 housing units destined for

home ownership and 50 new cooperative dwelling

units). Together, these measures cover 840 new

housing units in Nunavik by 2016. In addition, the

gouvernement du Québec and the Inuit partners are

pursuing talks with the federal government concerning

the construction of 500 additional dwelling units in

order to overcome the shortfall observed in Nunavik.

43

In order to maintain existing housing, many public

housing units deemed to be in a state of disrepair

must also be renovated. Since 2008, the Société

d’habitation du Québec has invested $135 million

in major renovations in Nunavik. Other renovations

will be carried out on 482 housing units in Nunavik

between 2011 and 2014.

The priority initiatives in the realm of housing are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Build public housing in Nunavik — catch up program (300 housing units)

SHQ

Implement a new program to foster home ownership (200 housing units)

SHQ

Pursue the renovation of public housing stock in Nunavik (482 housing units)

SHQ

Carry out additional projects outside Nunavik in the territory that the Plan Nord covers through the AccèsLogis Québec program

SHQ

Provide manpower to help build housingLocal and Aboriginal

communitiesFacilitate the granting of lots and the development of appropriate services when new districts are built

Make public precisely how many individuals (workers from outside the territory and their families) are likely to settle in the region where the project is located Promoters/

EnterprisesInvest with the communities and the partners in the development of housing and community infrastructure

Together, these measures cover 840 new housing units

in Nunavik by 2016.

Outside Nunavik, between the 49th and 55th

parallels, concerns over the scarcity of affordable

housing are hampering the recruiting by businesses

of workers. Diversified, sufficient housing would

encourage workers to settle in the region where

their jobs are located and avoid frequent return

trips ("fly in, fly out") by workers from outside the

territory that the Plan Nord covers.

The Cree Nation is also grappling with a housing

shortage. The gouvernement du Québec is determined

to assist the Cree Nation in its dealings with the federal

government concerning the number of housing units

in the communities.


44

PLAN NORD

2.5 HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES

The populations in the territory that the Plan Nord

covers are facing specific challenges from the

standpoint of the enhancement of health. More

people in the territory are suffering from chronic

diseases or psychosocial problems than in the rest

of Québec. Moreover, life expectancy in the territory

that the Plan Nord covers is lower than in Québec

as a whole. This unfavourable discrepancy is much

more striking in the Aboriginal communities.

Moreover, the gains observed in recent years in

Québec with respect to certain health problems

such as cardiovascular diseases have not evolved

in a comparable manner in the territory that the

Plan Nord covers. Another example is the prevalence

of diabetes in the Cree Nation (17% in 2003)

compared with Québec overall (6% in 2007-2008).

In the same way, at-risk behaviour and distress

appear to be more frequent in Northern Québec

since very high intentional or unintentional injury-

related mortality rates have been observed there. For

example, in Nunavik and the Cree communities, the

15-24 age group accounts for over 70% of suicides,

compared with 11% for Québec as a whole.

Northern Québec residents encounter certain difficulties

in obtaining primary psychosocial services6 and health

services close to their living environment. Against the

backdrop of the development of northern regions, it

seems essential to consolidate such services and further

develop specialized services and the appropriate

infrastructure to do so, including telecommunications

that facilitate teleconsultation and telemedicine.

6. For example, services pertaining to alcoholism and drug addiction, suicide prevention, developmental delays in children, violent and aggressive behaviour in children and adolescents, mental health problems, hyperactivity and mental impairment.

It is also essential to ensure that the economic and

social development projects stemming from the

Plan Nord proactively provide monitoring and

guidance from the standpoint of the assessment

of impact on the health of populations and the

adaptation of services to the northern context.

THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES ACTION PLAN

The availability of health and social services is a crucial

issue under the Plan Nord. Existing infrastructure

generally satisfies the needs of the populations

residing in the territory concerned without for all

that offering the resources necessary to satisfy

the newcomers who settle there and their specific

needs. Any development and any increase in the

labour pool will require additional health and social

services for the new clientele.

Accordingly, in collaboration with local communities

and the businesses wishing to establish themselves

in the northern territories, interveners in the health

sector must get involved upstream from decision-

making to plan the services to be offered and

determine what infrastructure is necessary in terms

of capital assets, human resources and specialized

equipment, bearing in mind existing equipment and

infrastructure in the territories covered or close to

them.

The public health network maintains establishments

and facilities in towns and villages but three types

of issues pertaining to access to services, human

resources and infrastructure require improvement.

45

■ It is necessary to consolidate access to

primary-care health and social services

and further develop specialized services,

in particular to reduce the number of trips

outside the community by individuals requiring

such services.

■ From the standpoint of human resources,

improved incentives will be implemented to

attract and retain manpower in the network

and adapt staff training to the communities’

specific traits.

■ Local facilities must be enhanced to better

respond to public health needs.

The priority initiatives in the realm of health are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Establish the necessary infrastructure and structure to allow for the creation of a genuine telehealth network in Nunavik

MSSS

Implement a formal health impact assessment of development projects under the Plan Nord

MSSS

Establish a committee devoted to justice and public security within the framework of the approach adopted under the Plan Nord

MJQ, MSP MRNF

Promote healthy lifestylesLocal and Aboriginal

communities

Elaborate occupational health and safety programs adapted to the communities

Promoters/EnterprisesInvest in the development of community infrastructure devoted

to health or social services or make available to the community premises that can be used for such purposes

It is important to adjust health and social services

to the population’s specific conditions and needs,

all the more so as population growth and ageing

will pose a considerable challenge to the network

throughout the next 25 years. The recruiting and

training of Aboriginal staff will enable the network

to offer services adapted to the communities’ cultural

and linguistic realities.


46

PLAN NORD

2.6 CULTURE

With the rollout of the Plan Nord, northern

populations will experience extensive economic and

preserve development over the next 25 years. The

Aboriginal nations and local communities want their

culture and way of life to benefit as well from such

development.

In this spirit, young people from the communities have

been mobilized to grasp and preserve their culture.

They rely on points of reference from the past to

define a contemporary perspective of their culture.

The same goes for the survival of their culture, but

also their quest for identity, a process that is posing

a constant challenge to this generation. The role of

young people is vital to regenerate this culture, avoid

its trivialization, modernize it and foster its openness,

both at home and abroad.

A living culture can also be a factor in the attraction

and retention of workers. Moreover, it is by preserving

this living culture that the communities that the Plan

Nord covers can build a strong relationship with the

rest of Québec.

What is more, through the rollout of the Plan Nord,

many workers from outside the territory will work

or reside in the northern communities. It will be

advisable to establish cultural meeting points where

workers from the south can become familiar with

other culture and where artists from southern

Québec can perform and meet each other to express

the North through writing, painting, song and dance

in order to enhance the culture’s profile the world

over. Certain northern communities will thus become

rallying points where Quebecers from the North and

the South meet and learn about each other.

In this spirit, young people from the communities have been mobilized

to grasp and preserve their culture. They rely on points of reference from

the past to define a contemporary perspective of their culture.

THE CULTURAL ACTION PLAN

By preserving their living culture, the communities that

the Plan Nord covers can forge a strong relationship

with the rest of Québec. It is also necessary to

offer tools to enable the Aboriginal communities

to ensure the vitality of their language, which is

the core of their cultural identity. The preservation

and development of languages inevitably depends

on recognition of modern usage. The survival and

transmission of the languages are vital concerns in

the northern communities, bearing in mind that it is

mainly the elderly who tend to use them.

Culture is a social cement of the utmost importance

to all populations, especially those living in the

territory. The Plan Nord will also afford Quebecers

overall and the world at large an opportunity to

rediscover the North.

Accordingly, Télé-Québec will produce a documentary

series on the Plan Nord. The interest that the public

broadcaster has displayed might be shared by

other media, which could send greater numbers of

journalists to report on the North or install live-remote

antennae there.

47

The priority initiatives in the realm of culture and identity are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Sign cultural cooperation agreements with the Aboriginal nations, the regional conferences of elected officers (RCEOs) and the northern partners

MCCCF SAA, MRI

Renew or conclude agreements between the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Aboriginal nations or regional bodies

MCCCF MRI

Consolidate or create multi-purpose institutions and build cultural centres to preserve, develop and disseminate culture and the arts

MCCCF FED, MELS, MTO

Promote Northern Québec artists through the application of the Politique d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement

MCCCF

Support permanent exhibitions devoted to the Aboriginal cultures MCCCF

Adjust programs and services to allow the northern partners to access culture

MCCCF

Establish a framework for exchanges between young people in the territory that the Plan Nord covers and young people from the rest of Québec

SAJ

Support a documentary film project to promote the Plan Nord and Northern Québec


Télé-Québec

Promote the communities’ culture and facilitate exchanges between them in a dynamic of sharing and mutual understanding


Make known to the partners, businesses and workers from outside the territory the importance of preserving cultures

Display constant receptiveness to the Aboriginal cultures by making provision, for example, for familiarization sessions for their employees from outside the territory


Develop approaches to work organization that take into account cultural differences

Invest with the partners in community and cultural infrastructure


Two workers chat in the port at Baie-Déception in Salluit © Xstrata Nickel – Raglan Mine

The Plan Nord is in keeping with the priority initiatives that the government has put

forward to develop Québec’s economic potential. It seeks to structure and develop a

new economic space with enormous potential. The Plan Nord, through its scope, the

extent of its spinoff, the abundance of the knowledge required and the suppliers

involved, will benefit all regions of Québec and all sectors of our economy.

CHAPTER 3

HARNESS NORTHERN QUÉBEC’S ENORMOUS ECONOMIC POTENTIAL

50

PLAN NORD

3.1 KEY ADVANTAGES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The territory that the Plan Nord covers has in recent

years experienced significant economic growth, in

particular because of investments in the resource

sector to satisfy strong worldwide demand for

metals.

The Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions employ

nearly 54 000 people, equivalent to 1.4% of all jobs

in Québec in 2010. The regions’ share of Québec

gross domestic product has risen steadily since 2003.

In 2009, it reached 2.7% of economic activity in

Québec, totalling nearly $8 billion.

1. To facilitate analysis, the statistics presented in this section focus solely on the Côte-Nord and Nord-du-Québec regions, unless otherwise indicated. Data source: Statistics Canada.

SPECIFICALLY, NORTHERN QUÉBEC:1

■ has over 3 700 industrial and commercial establishments, equivalent to 1.5% of the total number of establishments in Québec.

■ Roughly 8% of them export. The primary and manufacturing sectors account in equal measure for exports.

■ Big companies are proportionally more numerous than in Québec as a whole, i.e. nearly 2% of establishments with 200 or more employees.

■ Such firms account for at least 30% of jobs and produce nearly 70% of international merchandise exports from the territory concerned.

Growing investments

Since 2006, private investment in Northern Québec has risen by 15.9% a year, as against only 0.9% for Québec as a whole, mainly as a result of investments made in the mining sector. Consequently, the share of private investment in Québec in the territory in question increased from 3.5% in 2006 to 4.4% in 2010.

The mining and metallurgy industry, the electricity

generation industry and the forestry sector play a

leading role in the territory’s economic activity.

In addition to providing thousands of jobs, the

big companies that operate there offer significant

business opportunities for many small and medium-

sized enterprises (suppliers, subcontractors or

manufacturers) throughout Québec.

The Aluminerie Alouette in Sept-Îles, North America’s

biggest aluminum smelter, and the Aluminerie Alcoa

in Baie-Comeau, account for 40% of the total value

of Québec’s primary aluminum output, employ

over 2 350 people and export between 80% and

85% of their output. They are the main employers

51

in their respective municipalities and engender

concrete development opportunities both in the

construction sector and in the realms of secondary

metal processing and storage, handling and logistical

services, among others.

Other industries such as the bio-food and tourism

industries also have a positive impact on development.

For example, the network of outfitting operations

offers hunting and fishing activities, the international

cruise sector is emerging, and several food processing

firms are experiencing robust growth.

LA COOPÉRATIVE DE GIRARDVILLE IS AN EXAMPLE OF SUCCESS Established in 1979, La Coopérative forestière de Girardville is active in the realms of forest management, timber supply and research and development focusing on new products that make use of the boreal forest.

Since its inception, the Coopérative has innovated by marketing essential oils extracted from black spruce needles and branches. It now produces and markets boreal spices, essential oils, natural infusions and cosmetics, all based on boreal forest resources.

In March 2011, the Coopérative announced a $1.7-million investment in its processing plant to enhance its productivity and to launch a new range of cosmetic products containing oil extracted from trees and shrubs in the boreal forest.

Production is fully carried out on site, including the grinding and drying of plants and biochemical tests. Furthermore, forest biomass collected by the workers is used to heat the plant. The new investment will increase the plant’s capacity and packaging and labelling will be done on the spot.

The federal and Québec governments have granted the Coopérative, which employs 459 people, financial assistance in respect of this investment.

Lastly, among Northern Québec’s advantages, the

development of cooperatives is also playing a key

role in Nunavik and in the northern portion of the

Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. For example, the

Fédération des coopératives du Nouveau-Québec

has 14 member local cooperatives that serve the

Inuit communities in Nunavik. The cooperative

network, with over 8 000 members, is the biggest

private-sector employer in Nunavik. It has over

250 full-time employees in the territory and annual

sales of nearly $150 million.


52

PLAN NORD

The Plan Nord seeks to develop the economic

potential of the territory covered in the energy,

mining, forest, wildlife, tourism and bio-food sectors.

To this end, it will foster business investment and

the solicitation of foreign investment, innovation

and the development of products with higher

added value. The government will also rely on the

six niches of excellence within the framework of the

ACCORD project,2 which stakeholders in the regions

concerned have targeted.3

Businesses operating in Northern Québec are con-

tributing to economic activity in this vast territory

not only by hiring and

training local workers but

also through purchases

from regional suppliers

and increases in property

values and tax revenues.

Investments to develop

energy potential and

build transportation and other infrastructure are also

enhancing services and access to the territory. As a

result, they are engendering considerable positive

social and cultural spinoff.

Broader economic activity is not only apparent in

the territory that the Plan Nord covers but it affects

Québec as a whole. In fact, the companies that

are carrying out projects in the territory concerned

are developing a network of experts and suppliers

2. Since 2002, the ACCORD (concerted action for regional development cooperation) project has relied on regional strengths and the search for excellence in key sectors in Québec. It seeks to position the regions of Québec as specific niches of industrial excellence recognized in North America and the world by developing niches of excellence that can become their brand image.

3. Industrial, mining and metallurgical engineering processes (Côte-Nord); marine resources, sciences and technologies (Côte-Nord); northern agriculture centred on wild blueberries and seed potatoes (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean); adventure tourism and ecotourism (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean); aluminum smelting (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean); and northern tourism: cultural diversity and adventure tourism (Nord-du-Québec).

These major projects also create significant business opportunities for many small or medium-sized

businesses throughout Québec, both in the regions

and in big urban centres.

that are often located outside the territory. Certain

sectors of activity, in particular, come to mind

that require more specialized expertise in the realms

of specialized technical, professional, structural,

machinery and transportation services, research

and development, or consulting-engineering firms.

These major projects also create significant business

opportunities for many small or medium-sized

businesses throughout Québec, both in the regions

and in big urban centres.

Moreover, because of the close ties that they create

with most universities and chairs and research cen-

tres throughout Québec, businesses operating in

the North are participating

in the establishment of

an extensive innovation

system that fosters tech-

nical innovation and trade

breakthroughs that also

benefit Québec overall.

This chapter presents the enormous economic

development potential in the energy, mining, forest,

wildlife, tourism and bio-food sectors. It also presents

the priority initiatives for the period 2011-2016 in

each sector and the potential investment projects

or projects under way and indicates examples of

development, often stemming from local initiatives

in each sector.

53

3.2 ENERGY RESOURCES

The Plan Nord reflects the government’s

determination to make Québec a world leader in the

realm of clean, renewable energy.

Since 2003, the gouvernement du Québec has

revived Québec’s hydroelectric development, which

is continuing steadily. Such development focuses,

by and large, on the territories that the Plan Nord

covers.

All told, 97% of the 4 500 MW announced in

the Québec Energy Strategy 2006-2015 will be

generated in this territory.

Under the Plan Nord, the government has undertaken

to develop 3 500 MW of clean, renewable energy,

i.e. 3 000 MW of hydroelectricity, 300 MW of wind

power, and 200 MW from other renewable energy

sources. The requisite investment is estimated at

$25 billion and should engender the creation of

75 000 jobs in man-years.

Accordingly, the development of hydro-power

potentialities will continue throughout the period

of application of the Plan Nord, in keeping with

changing energy needs and market potential. Aside

from the projects already pinpointed within the

framework of Hydro-Québec’s strategic plan, other

sites with considerable hydroelectric development

potential will be targeted to attain the objective of

an additional 3 000 MW.

Renewable energy for the North

Energy is the key to the sustainable development of

the territory that the Plan Nord covers. It affords an

opportunity to develop energy in the North for the

North.

The development of the renewable energy potential

in the territory that the Plan Nord covers to satisfy

the energy needs of communities and industrial

projects in the territory opens up new prospects.

Mapping of northern hydroelectric and wind power

potential should pinpoint sites with development

potential. Several known sites are suitable for small

and medium-sized hydroelectric power plants (less

than 400 MW), often run-of-the-river plants, or

underwater generators. Moreover, the sites also

likely offer attractive wind power potential to add

an auxiliary energy source to the infrastructure and

ensure uninterrupted energy supply.

The infrastructure could provide villages, industrial

projects or mines established in the territory that

the Plan Nord cover with renewable energy. The

development of the hydroelectric and wind power

to satisfy a specific need for local power would have

the advantage of reducing energy supply costs in

respect of the villages and businesses. It would also

significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions

that existing thermal power plants generate or that

might be contemplated to supply them.


54

PLAN NORD

Renewable energy for communities

The government intends to review renewable energy

development in the territory that the Plan Nord covers

such that the electricity generated further benefits

northern populations, whether from the standpoint

of social or economic development. Paradoxically,

most northern residents do not have access to this

clean, renewable source of energy even though

most of Québec’s hydroelectric power is generated

in the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

For example, just over 7 000 customers obtain

electricity produced by diesel generators. The

combination of wind energy and the generators now

in use would enhance the environmental balance

sheet and reduce the cost of electricity generation.

In fact, the realization of linked wind power-diesel

projects, especially in the 14 towns in Nunavik, might

substantially reduce fuel consumption. It would

reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 20 000 t4

a year, equivalent to a 42% decrease in relation to

the current situation.

4. t: metric tonne.

Energy is the key to the sustainable development of the territory that

the Plan Nord covers. It affords an opportunity to develop energy

in the North for the North.

Hydro-Québec intends to complete a linked

wind power-diesel project in Kangiqsualujjuaq

(Nunavik). The contract covering implementation

studies has been awarded and the commissioning of

the project is planned between 2015 and 2017.

Moreover, a pilot project will ascertain the efficacy

and potential in the northern environment of

an underwater generator with a capacity of

250 kW. Designed and almost entirely manufactured

in Québec, it will be installed in Kuujjuaq in the fall

of 2012. If the pilot project is conclusive, underwater

generators could be installed near several Northern

villages and, possibly, certain other communities in the

territory that the Plan Nord covers, especially in the

Basse-Côte-Nord region. They could thus gradually

become part of thermal power generation.

Furthermore, certain local or Aboriginal com-

munities regard the development of small-scale

hydroelectric power (50 MW or less) as a worthwhile

socioeconomic development opportunity for their

regions. The government believes that it is timely

to offer the communities interested an opportunity

to develop such projects insofar as the communities

support them, the projects engender benefits for

the region and are managed by the community.

55

HYDROELECTRIC POWER DEVELOPMENT Since 2003, Québec has steadily developed its hydropower potentialities, centred mainly in the

territories that the Plan Nord covers.

■ The Eastmain-1 (James Bay/Eeyou Istchee) and Péribonka (Lac-Saint-Jean) power plants, with a total capacity of 912 MW, were commissioned in December 2006 and December 2007, respectively.

■ The Eastmain-1-A-Sarcelle-Rupert (James Bay/Eeyou Istchee) project now under way will provide by 2012 additional capacity of nearly 920 MW through investments of $5 billion.

■ The projects will engender the creation of 50 000 direct and indirect jobs (man-years) and the addition of nearly 1 800 MW (680 000 households using electric heating).

■ The construction of the La Romaine project (Côte-Nord), with a capacity of 1 550 MW, continues and will be commissioned in 2014. Its construction should lead to the creation of over 33 000 direct and indirect jobs (in man-year equivalents). When the La Romaine hydroelectric development is fully commissioned in 2020, total investment will stand at $6.5 billion.

■ Hydro-Québec will also spend $1.8 billion to expand its network in Minganie to link the complex to its power transmission network.

■ One project concerns the Rivière du Petit Mécatina, located some 250 km east of the Rivière Romaine on the Côte-Nord. Hydro-Québec has already conducted preliminary studies and certain ground surveys. The preliminary design studies could begin once the negotiations with the Aboriginal communities are concluded. Hydro-Québec’s hypothesis calls for two power plants (Petit-Mécatina-3 and Petit-Mécatina-4), with a total capacity of 1 200 MW.

■ Hydro-Québec will also carry out the following projects in the Côte-Nord region:

the installation of additional equipment at the Sainte-Marguerite-3 power plant with a capacity of 440 MW;

power gains at the Jean-Lesage power plant (120 MW);

power gains at the René-Lévesque power plant (210 MW).


56

PLAN NORD

Renewable energy for industrial and mining projects

Hydro-Québec will also support the development

of industrial projects such as mining projects in the

territory that the Plan Nord covers. The government

corporation will develop and operate hydroelectric

projects not linked to its main network in order to

respond specifically to the energy and power needs

of such industrial projects.

The terms and conditions of the power supply

contracts will be agreed upon for each project

depending on the project’s specific nature. Beyond

the period of operation of each of the industrial

projects, Hydro-Québec will determine the optimum

use of the hydroelectric assets thus developed.

Wind power potential is extensive

As for wind power, initial surveys suggest considerable

potential in Northern Québec (Figure 4). This energy

source could be contemplated as a complement in

communities whose electricity is generated by fossil

fuels.

In addition, wind power is a natural complement

to hydroelectricity. Hydroelectric power plants can,

under certain conditions, offset the intermittent

nature of wind energy. On the other hand, wind

turbines reduce demand on the water reserve

capacity of dams.

Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie estimates that, to date,

a 10% penetration level of peak power on the system

is conceivable without posing major constraints to

its operation. Furthermore, the study emphasizes

that the integration capacity of wind power into the

system will increase according to new hydroelectric

power developments. This potential can thus be

harnessed gradually.

57

FIGURE 4


Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve Saint-Laurent


Nouveau-Brunswick

Nunavut

États-Unis




(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve Saint-Laurent

Quaqtaq

Nemaska

Kuujjuaq

Salluit

Eastmain

Matagami

Chisasibi

Sept-Îles

Puvirnituq

NatashquanChibougamau

Kuujjuarapik

Blanc-Sablon

Havre-Saint-Pierre

Schefferville

55°

60°

60°

65°

65°

70°

70°

75°

75°

80°

80°85°

60° 60°

55° 55°

50° 50°

45° 45°

Wind Energy Potential

25 kmOcéan Atlantique

No simulation has been conducted for this territory

20102005

YearOrganization

MRNFHélimax Énergie Inc.AWS Truewind

SourcesData Territorial divisions Wind energy components

0 200 km



6.8 - 7.5 m/s7.5 - 8.1 m/s8.1 - 8.6 m/s8.6 - 9.4 m/s9.4 - 12.8 m/s

Average wind speed at 80 meters (200 meters resolution)

Borders



Southern boundary of the area covered by the Plan Nord

58

PLAN NORD

THE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT ACTION PLAN

The priority initiatives in the realm of energy development are indicated below.

SUBJECT RESPONSABLEPARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS

OR BODIES

Carry out the projects already described by Hydro-Québec in its 2009-2013 strategic plan:

- installation of additional equipment at the Sainte-Marguerite-3 power plant with a capacity of 440 MW

- power gains at the Jean-Lesage power plant (120 MW)

- power gains at the René-Lévesque power plant (210 MW)

Hydro-Québec

Support the development of industrial projects not connected to the main network by elaborating, carrying out and operating hydroelectric power generation projects that specifically satisfy the energy and power needs of such industrial projects

Hydro-Québec

Conduct a thorough study of sites offering hydroelectric and wind power potential in the territory that the Plan Nord covers to provide off-grid communities and industrial and mining projects with renewable energy

Hydro-Québec

Carry out a combined wind power-diesel pilot project to supply an isolated network in a community in Nunavik

Hydro-Québec

Fund the studies necessary for projects to develop underwater generators

MRNF — Énergie

3.3 MINERAL RESOURCES

Mining operations are a major component of the

economy of Northern Québec and Québec as a

whole. In 2009, investment in mineral exploration

and mining operations stood at $958 million in the

territory that the Plan Nord covers, which accounts

for 50% of investments in Québec. Moreover, in

2008, the mining sector accounted for an estimated

10 000 jobs in the territory and nearly 24 000 jobs

in the other regions of Québec, including nearly

8 000 jobs in the Montréal area.

Northern Québec produces all of Québec’s nickel,

cobalt, platinum group metals, zinc, iron ore and

ilmenite, and accounts for a significant portion of

gold production. Lithium, vanadium and rare-earth

metals, used increasingly in numerous fields related

to energy, transportation and high technology,

are also found there. The use of and international

demand for the metals is growing. Exploration to

determine Québec’s potential will be included in

future knowledge acquisition projects. The territory

also has high potential for uranium and diamonds,

59

as development projects in the Otish Mountains

region reveal. Québec’s first apatite5 mine may well

be opened near Sept-Îles in the coming years.

In Nunavik, the Raglan mine has developed for a

dozen years one of the world’s biggest nickel sulfide

deposits. The Géant Dormant and Casa Berardi gold

mines are in operation in the James Bay region,

where the Persévérance zinc mine, near Matagami,

is also located. The Mont Wright and Lac Bloom iron

mines are in operation near Fermont. The Lac Bloom

mine has already led to $550 million in investments

and created 250 jobs. The Lac Tio iron and titanium

mine is located several kilometres from Havre-

Saint-Pierre.

Despite the major projects under way, Northern

Québec’s mineral resource potential is far from

being fully established (Figure 5). The Labrador

Trough extends north of Schefferville. The vast,

60 000-km2 zone stretches from the southeast to

the northwest from Schefferville to Ungava Bay. The

Labrador Trough contains appreciable iron, copper,

zinc and nickel deposits. The geological survey is

still incomplete. However, the territory has been

recognized for a long time for its abundant mineral

resources.

Development potential is even more promising

in the sector north of Schefferville but also in the

James Bay/Eeyou Istchee region, in Nunavik, and

on the Côte-Nord. Québec has an opportunity to

significantly diversify the array of minerals that can

be extracted. Moreover, it possesses a geoscientific

database available free of charge on the Internet

that is acknowledged to be one of the best in the

world. All knowledge acquired during mineral

exploration phases must be recorded in the database.

Accordingly, it contains data collected for nearly

100 years, equivalent to an acquisition value

of $5 billion.

There are already at least 11 new projects

that could be launched in the coming years

in the territory that the Plan Nord covers. The

development of these projects would ultimately

engender $8.24 billion in investments and

create 11 000 jobs during the construction

phase, then nearly 4 000 jobs a year once they

are in operation.


In 2009, investment in mineral exploration and mining operations

stood at $958 million in the territory that the Plan Nord covers, which accounts for 50%

of investments in Québec.

5. Calcium phosphate used, among other things, to manufacture chemical fertilizer and in the ornamental stone industry.

60

PLAN NORD

FIGURE 5

61

NAME OF THE PROJECT LOCATION MINERAL ORE

Xstrata Nickel – Raglan mine, phase 2 Nord-du-Québec (Nunavik)Nickel

Copper

MDN - Crevier projectSaguenay–

Lac-Saint-JeanNiobium Tantalum

New Millennium Capital Corporation – DSO project Côte-Nord Iron

ArcelorMittal Mines Canada - Mont Wright and Port-Cartier projects

Côte-Nord Iron

Ressources Strateco – Matoush projectNord-du-Québec

(James Bay/Eeyou Istchee)Uranium

Stornoway Diamond Corporation – Renard projectNord-du-Québec

(James Bay/Eeyou Istchee)Diamonds

Canadian Royalties, a subsidiary of Jien Canada Mining – Nunavik Nickel project

Nord-du-Québec (Nunavik)Nickel

Copper

Mine Arnaud – Arnaud project Côte-Nord Apatite

Xstrata Zinc – Bracemac-McLeod projectNord-du-Québec

(James Bay/Eeyou Istchee)Zinc

Copper

Metanor Resources – Bachelor projectNord-du-Québec

(James Bay/Eeyou Istchee)Gold

Mines Opinaca, a subsidiary of Goldcorp – Éléonore project

Nord-du-Québec (James Bay/Eeyou Istchee)

Gold

Mining projects under development in the territory that the Plan Nord covers


62

PLAN NORD

AN OVERVIEW OF MINERAL RESOURCESIN NUNAVIK: NICKEL AND COPPER

■ Xstrata is examining the extension of the life of the Raglan mine in Salluit, where production should normally end in 2020. It is planning an investment of over $1 billion that would extend the mine’s life and maintain 700 existing jobs beyond 2040.

■ Nunavik Nickel could operate a nickel mine south of the Raglan mine. Investments would stand at several hundred million dollars and would create several hundred jobs.

IN THE JAMES BAY/EEYOU ISTCHEE REGION: GOLD, DIAMONDS, URANIUM, ZINC AND COPPER

■ The Éléonore project focuses on the operation of a gold mine located some 350 km north of Matagami. Investments of over $1.4 billion and the creation of more than 600 jobs are anticipated.

■ Xstrata’s new Bracemac-McLeod zinc mine located in Matagami will begin production in 2013 and generate 250 jobs. Some $160 million is being invested in the project.

■ Metanor Resources has begun work to deepen the mine shaft at the former Bachelor gold mine in order to conduct a feasibility study.

■ In the Otish Mountains region, 350 km north of Chibougamau, Stornoway Diamond Corporation’s Renard project could become Québec’s first diamond mine. The project’s realization would mean at least $450 million in investments and the creation of 300 jobs.

■ Strateco’s proposed Matoush uranium mine, which is also located in the Otish Mountains region, is the most advanced exploration project. A decision may be made in the coming year concerning the site’s development.

63

ADRIANA RESOURCES’ OTELNUK PROJECTAdriana Resources plans to make the Otelnuk project nothing less than the biggest mine in Canadian history.

The project, located in Nunavik between Schefferville and Kuujjuaq, centres on a huge iron deposit that could potentially be mined for a hundred years. Imposing infrastructure will be needed to extract and transport the ore on an 850-km rail line to Sept-Îles. Over $10 billion in investment would be required to open the mine.

To carry out the project, which will create 4 000 jobs during the construction phase and nearly 2 000 permanent jobs during the life of the mine, Adriana Resources wishes to hire all of the Inuit workers available.

A financial partnership with Wisco, a Chinese firm that is the fifth largest steel manufacturer in the world, bodes well for an ambitious implementation timetable and puts Québec in a privileged position among iron suppliers.

This investment project highlights the importance of the Otelnuk mining project for Northern Québec’s economic and social development and for the development of Québec overall.

IN THE CÔTE-NORD REGION AND THE LABRADOR TROUGH: IRON, COPPER, ZINC AND NICKEL

■ Tata Steel of India has announced a potential investment of $300 million to operate iron mines in the Schefferville region. Mention should be made of the DSO project, in partnership with New Millennium, a Canadian mining company, and the Kémag project, could lead to $4 billion in investments and create 750 jobs.

■ ArcelorMittal’s Mont Wright iron mine in Fermont now employs 1 100 workers. The company is examining a project that could boost by 50% the production of iron ore concentrate. Major investments could thus also be made in Fermont and in Port-Cartier.

■ Near Sept-Îles, Yara International, a Norwegian multinational, and Investissement Québec are assessing the feasibility of mining an apatite deposit.

IN THE SAGUENAY–LAC-SAINT-JEAN REGION: NIOBIUM AND TANTALUM

■ MDN should conclude in 2011 the feasibility study concerning the Crevier project, which is intended to develop a niobium-tantalum deposit north of the municipality of Girardville in the Lac-Saint-Jean region.


64

PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives in the realm of mining are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Invest to acquire and integrate geoscientific knowledge into the Système d’information géominière (SIGEOM)

MRNF — Mines

Coordinate government initiatives concerning the rehabilitation of the railway between Emeril Junction (Labrador) and Schefferville

MDEIE

Examine the possibility of establishing a biodiversity tax credit to encourage investors to participate in ecosystem development or restoration projects

MRNF — Mines ARQ, MFQ, MDDEP

Pursue the restoration of abandoned mining and exploration sites in the territories of Nunavik and James Bay/Eeyou Istchee.

MRNF — Mines

THE MINERAL RESOURCES ACTION PLAN

To ensure the renewal of mineral resources and

the discovery of new deposits, mining exploration

requires basic geological data to stimulate and

support its research. The acquisition of knowledge

on the territory that the Plan Nord covers is thus

essential to develop new projects.

The pursuit and intensification of research in the

realm of knowledge acquisition pertaining to the

assessment of mining potential and local manpower

training are among the main avenues to be

promoted to ensure responsible, structuring mining

development that creates wealth.

Furthermore, an assistance program for Aboriginal

mining funds is encouraging participation by the

Cree and Inuit communities in the development of

the Nord-du-Québec region’s mining potential. It is

contributing to training qualified workers for mining

companies and establishing links between mining

companies and the Aboriginal communities, creating

Aboriginal businesses and developing the mining

potential of the northern territories. Total investments

could reach $1.8 million between 2010 and 2013.

The government will seek to create an environment

favourable to business investment in the mining

sector in a spirit of respect for the principles of

sustainable development. Moreover, it will ensure

that it obtains a fair return on the development of

natural resources.

In addition, a dozen abandoned mining sites have

been inventoried in the territory that the Plan Nord

covers and have been added to the government’s

list of environmental liabilities. The sites will be

rehabilitated by 2017 at an estimated cost of

$250 million. Other mining sites will be rehabilitated,

in particular by the industry, at an estimated cost of

$70 million.

65

3.4 FOREST RESOURCES

The continuous boreal forest, the main vegetation

area in the territory that the Plan Nord covers,

comprises forest stands of relatively dense trees, most

of them softwood species (Figure 6). Black spruce is

the dominant species. Its life expectancy can exceed

200 years and it often reaches a considerable height.

Because of its long fibres and very dense, hard

wood, black spruce is used for saw timber and to

manufacture high-tensile engineering and structural

products. It is also highly valued for the production of

high-quality pulp, paper and specialized cardboard.

The abundance of timber volumes with unique

fibres is supporting the development of a vast,

dynamic industrial fabric in the North and elsewhere

in Québec:

■ nearly 60% of Québec’s continuous boreal

forest located south of the northern

boundary of attributable forests, covering

nearly 320 000 km2, has been harvested

commercially for over 50 years and even

70 years in certain regions;

■ logging in the territory that the Plan Nord

covers produces annually 11.7 million m3 of

wood, equivalent to nearly 53% of Québec’s

total output;

■ all told, 32 plants obtain wood supplies in the

territory that the Plan Nord covers, of which

11 are located north of the 49th parallel;

■ these harvesting operations support nearly

15 000 jobs, 5 600 of them in the forests and

9 300 in primary wood processing plants.

Numerous communities, including several Aboriginal

communities, are found in the boreal forest. The

communities dwell in and harvest the forest and

engage there in providing holiday facilities, hunting,

fishing and gathering. All of these communities, each

in its own way, have a strong feeling of belonging to

this northern territory. Among the Aboriginal peoples,

the Cree possess rights that protect their distinct

use of the territory (JBNQA) and, more specifically,

with regard to forest management (the Peace of

the Braves). Accordingly, a significant territory in the

boreal forest north of the 49th parallel is subject to

an adapted forestry regime that seeks to take better

account of the needs of Cree hunters. Several other

Aboriginal communities and nations are demanding

specific rights over these territories, particularly from

the standpoint of forest management.


66

PLAN NORD

FIGURE 6

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent


Nouveau-Brunswick

Nunavut

États-Unis




(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé


(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé

Quaqtaq

Nemaska

Kuujjuaq

Salluit

Eastmain

Matagami

Chisasibi

Sept-Îles

Puvirnituq


Kuujjuarapik

Blanc-Sablon

Havre-Saint-Pierre

ARTIC TUNDRA

FOREST TUNDRA

T A I G A

CONTINUOUS BOREAL FOREST

MIXED-WOOD FOREST

HARDWOOD FOREST

Schefferville

55°

60°

60°

65°

65°

70°

70°

75°

75°

80°

80°85°

60° 60°

55° 55°

50° 50°

45° 45°

Major Vegetation Zones

SourcesData Territorial divisions Vegetation zones

Organization Year

MRNFMRNF

20102010

0 200 km

ProductionMinistère des Ressources naturelles et de la FauneDirection générale adjointe de l'information géographique



BordersInternational borderInterprovincial border


Northern timber allocation limit

Southern boundary of the area covered by the Plan Nord

67

More extensive development of boreal forests

located between the 49th parallel and the northern

boundary of the attributable forests6 poses a

daunting but realistic challenge. It is essential to

put into perspective that logging has gone on

there for several decades and that it has progressed

considerably in recent years. Moreover, the harsh

climate, size of the territory, distance from major

centres and markets, human occupation and fragility

of the ecosystems are all factors that must be taken

into account in the sustainable development of

the North. Such development of the collective

wealth that the boreal forest represents must rely

on knowledge, social consensus building, and the

development and protection of forest resources.

In this respect, in 2010 Québec launched a veritable

revolution in its forestry regime. In particular, the

reform is intended to find innovative solutions to

the questions that forest development poses and

especially those related to the northern boreal

forests. The Sustainable Forest Development Act

(R.S.Q., c. A-18.1), which puts the collective forest

heritage at the forefront of Québec’s sustainable

socioeconomic development, is thus a precursor in

this field. In the territory that the Plan Nord covers,

the Act will promote broader protection of the

unique, fragile biodiversity, enable local communities

to participate in the development of the boreal

forests and contribute to the rapid expansion of a

more innovative logging industry.

6. In 1986, Québec adopted a northern boundary in respect of attributable wood that corresponds to the boundaries in Timber Supply and Forest Management Agreements. The boundary, now under review by a scientific committee, determines the delineation of the territory within which the MRNF grants rights to develop forest resources.

Despite extensive experience of developing the

boreal forest, its potential is undiminished and

warrants further development. Intensive targeted

silviculture on the most productive sites would bolster

yields in northern forests and, consequently, returns

on silvicultural investments. The resumption of

production in deforested areas such as the northern

barren lands would create carbon reservoirs and

new wildlife habitats and, accordingly, bolster the

boreal forest’s ecological resilience and productivity.

Conversion of the forest biomass, comprising logging

residues or wood unsuited to conventional use,

would enhance the profitability of forest operations,

create new economic benefits and maximize the use

of the wood harvested in northern forests. Lastly,

innovative processing methods could enhance the

outcomes of silvicultural initiatives with a view to

creating new products, especially glued-laminated

or jointed wood, bioenergy, biofuels, and so on. The

optimization of the wood value chain from the forest

to the plant to customers would foster economic

diversification, provide additional leeway in respect

of the resource, and offer new conservation and

development opportunities.


68

PLAN NORD

THE FOREST RESOURCES ACTION PLAN

From an economic standpoint, the establishment of

a free wood market will make wood more accessible

in order to diversify the existing industrial structure,

foster innovation and enhance competitiveness. The

territory north of the 49th parallel has abundant,

sought-after dense black spruce forests and is an

ideal setting for industrial processing. To maintain

and broaden access to international markets for such

wood products, all forestry practices in the northern

territories will be certified. To complement these

initiatives, Québec will have to develop expertise

in northern architecture and make such expertise

its trademark for northern communities and on

international markets. This niche will be based on the

use of northern wood in all of its forms (roundwood,

structural and finishing components, insulating

materials, and so on) and on the development of

Québec will have to develop expertise in northern architecture and make

such expertise its trademark for northern communities and on

international markets.

THE BOREAL FOREST IS A FRAGILE ECOSYSTEMThe territories that the Plan Nord covers encompass two major vegetation areas, i.e. the boreal forest to the south and the Arctic Zone to the north.

The boreal forest is by far the biggest vegetation area. It covers a strip over 1 000 km wide between the 48th and 58th parallels, such that a considerable portion of the boreal forest, i.e. the portion located north of the 49th parallel, lies in the territory of application of the Plan Nord.

The boreal forest features remarkable, unique, fragile biodiversity. Natural disturbances and the vegetation dynamic specific to this ecosystem create a diversified mosaic of wildlife and floristic habitats. However, the climate there is harsh and species survive because of the boreal forest, which feeds and shelters them.

The territory has a wide array of species of mushrooms, plants, birds and mammals, some of them emblematic of northern environments, such as the beaver, the wolf, the moose, the sable, and the bald eagle. Certain other species, such as the willow ptarmigan and the woodland and barren-ground caribou, are closely linked to this territory. The boreal forest also acts as a natural filter and purifies vast stretches of fish-rich waters in the North. Riparian vegetation thus largely regulates the balance of aquatic ecosystems in the boreal forest.

architectural designs suited to northern climates,

with a view to offering an array of sustainable,

ecoenergetic residential, institutional or commercial

products.

The development of the boreal forests located

north of the northern boundary of the attributable

forests poses an even greater challenge. In fact,

the ecosystems there are just as fragile and forest

resources there have never been commercially

harvested and are only now being studied. A

sustainable forest development strategy analogous

to the strategy elaborated for Québec’s forests overall

69

but adapted to the socioecological characteristics

of the North will be drawn up to structure the

sustainable management of the territory’s forest

resources. It will be based on an exhaustive

knowledge of the territory, its forest resources and

the support capacity of the ecosystems. Among

other things, it will include a more northern concept

of local forests to satisfy the local needs of forest

communities. The community wood construction

projects can, in particular, apply expertise developed

in respect of northern architecture. In addition to

satisfying local needs, such projects would help to

develop local know-how, create jobs and potentially

halt the rural exodus in the communities. All of the

development projects in the territory that the James

Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement covers must

first be discussed with the Cree.

A sustainable forest development strategy analogous to the strategy

elaborated for Québec’s forests overall but adapted to the

socioecological characteristics of the North will be drawn up to

structure the sustainable management of the territory’s forest resources.


70

PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives in the realm of forests are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Acquire knowledge of the vegetation north of the 53rd parallel MRNF — ForêtsMDDEP

ACRIGéo

Pursue the deliberations of the Comité scientifique sur la limite nordique des forêts attribuables

MRNF — Forêts ACRIGéo

Reforest the forest heaths south of the boundary of attributable forests

MRNF — SOR MRNF — Forêts

Establish local forests in the regions concerned MRNF — Forêts

Ensure that silvicultural regimes attain optimal yields

MRNF — Forêts MRNF — SOR

Enhance the profitability of silvicultural investments

Support initiatives that allow the use of forest biomass by conducting studies, opportunity analyses and inventories and by seeking uses (energy, wood-derived products, and so on) and good practices

MRNF — Forêts MDEIE, MRI

Support the development of an interregional niche in the realm of wood

MDEIE MRNF — Forêts

Certify forestry practices and the territories under management


Harmonize the adapted forestry regime under the Peace of the Braves and that under the Sustainable Forest Development Act


Manage sustainable forest development and implement ecosystem-based development in spruce stands


Broaden social consensus building and the harmonization of uses in collaboration with the integrated resource and territorial management tables, the RCEO – RNRLUC, and when the forest management plans are consulted


Develop and promote northern architecture MRNF — Forêts

Elaborate a sustainable development strategy for forests located north of the northern boundary of the attributable forests, including a northern adaptation of the concept of local forest


71

3.5 WILDLIFE RESOURCES

The immensity of the territory that the Plan Nord

covers offers a wide array of wildlife habitats suited

to numerous species that are enriching Québec’s

ecological heritage and biodiversity. The territory

is home to 237 bird species, 20-odd species of fur-

bearing animals, a dozen fish species of interest

to sport fishermen, e.g. Atlantic salmon and

anadromous Arctic char, seven species of small

wildlife such as the rock ptarmigan and snowshoe

hare, and six big wildlife species, including barren-

ground caribou and moose.

The wildlife resources in

the territory are a very

important component

of the culture, traditions

and subsistence of the

Aboriginal nations and offer

unique hunting, fishing,

trapping and wildlife-

observation experiences.

Sport hunting and fishing in Northern Québec

arouse considerable interest not only among

Quebecers but also among an international clientele.

The activities are thus a key driving force in the

territory’s economic development. Data for 2000

reveal that sport hunting and fishing in the territory

The wildlife resources in the territory are a very important component of

the culture, traditions and subsistence of the Aboriginal nations and offer

unique hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife-observation experiences.

7. The outfitting operations exercise exclusive control over wildlife harvesting in a given territory pursuant to a lease signed to this effect with the Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife. Their territory is subject to specific wildlife use and only their clients may hunt, fish or trap there. [www.fpq.com/fr/fpq.rating.asp]

that the Plan Nord covers engendered a minimum of

$100 million a year in economic spinoff, excluding

economic spinoff stemming from the hunting of

barren-ground caribou, which stood at $70 million

in 2005. However, economic spinoff from the latter

type of hunting has declined significantly since then

because of the natural, cyclical drop in the barren-

ground caribou population and the impact on

hunting of the recession.

The caribou hunting and fishing outfitting

operations located in the territory that the

Plan Nord covers are a key gateway for outside visitors.

In addition, more specifically in the territories covered

by an agreement, the

outfitting operations are

an ideal means of access

to enable Quebecers and

foreign tourists to engage

in hunting and fishing.

There are 186 outfitting

operations, of which 52

have exclusive operating

rights,7 in the territory

that the Plan Nord covers, which also encompasses

three controlled salmon harvesting zones (ZECs),

nine fishing-hunting ZECs, and four wildlife preserves

that offer various activities associated with wildlife

harvesting (Figure 7).


72

PLAN NORD

FIGURE 7

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent


Nouveau-Brunswick

Nunavut

États-Unis




(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent

Quaqtaq

Nemaska

Kuujjuaq

Salluit

Eastmain

Matagami

Chisasibi

Sept-Îles

Puvirnituq


Kuujjuarapik

Blanc-Sablon

Havre-Saint-Pierre

Schefferville

55°

60°

60°

65°

65°

70°

70°

75°

75°

80°

80°85°

60° 60°

55° 55°

50° 50°

45° 45°

Wildlife Areas

Wildlife areas


Havre-Saint-Pierre

Borders



Outfitters with exclusive rightsWildlife sanctuaryControlled operation zone (zec)

Outfitters without exclusive rights

0 200 km



SourcesData Territorial divisions Wildlife territories

Organization Year

MRNFMRNF

20102010

73

Reception infrastructure established in the territories

is an excellent means of developing wildlife resources

in remote areas and helping to control hunting,

fishing and trapping.

Moreover, non-harvesting wildlife activities have

developed rapidly in recent years. Northern Québec

has spectacular scenery and specific wildlife and

there is enormous potential for the development

of such activities. Adventure excursions and non-

harvesting wildlife activities such as ecotourism also

attract outside visitors seeking adventure, exoticism

and local products. Such activities, which are

becoming increasingly popular in the world, should

experience accelerated growth in Northern Québec.

THE SPECIFIC SITUATION OF BARREN-GROUND CARIBOUBiological indicators from the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune reveal that the populations of two barren-ground caribou herds in the Nord-du-Québec region are declining significantly. Moreover, the inventory conducted in the summer of 2010 of the Rivière George herd confirmed the decline. An inventory of the Rivière aux Feuilles herd will be carried out in the summer of 2011.

Given this worrisome situation, which stems from natural cyclical changes in the herds, the gouvernement du Québec has adopted several measures to ensure the barren-ground caribou’s survival that will have an appreciable impact on the harvesting of caribou through sport hunting starting in the 2011-2012 season.

At the same time, the gouvernement du Québec and the partners concerned will elaborate the next Plan de gestion du caribou toundrique, which will seek to restore the herds and strike a balance between the Aboriginal way of life, hunters’ expectations and those of outfitting operations. It is understood that the commitments in the JBNQA concerning Aboriginal harvesting activities will be fully respected.

By creating new employment prospects in the

territory that the Plan Nord covers, the sustainable

harvesting of wildlife resources will contribute

significantly to the well-being of local populations. It

is essential, among other things, to create abundant,

better trained workers to provide accommodation

and hotel services, act as hunting and fishing

guides, and protect wildlife and wildlife habitats.

Aboriginal workers and expertise are, in this respect,

an appreciable asset given that the harvesting of

certain wildlife resources is an integral part of the

way of life of the Aboriginal communities and that

the population of such communities is growing.


74

PLAN NORD

THE WILDLIFE RESOURCES ACTION PLAN

The accessibility attributable to the development of

the territory is a key issue for the wildlife sector. Such

accessibility, while it can be beneficial in many ways

for the development of activities in the wildlife sector,

also fosters an increase in wildlife harvesting and the

risk of damage to habitats. The harmonization of

the uses to which natural resources and the territory

are put thus poses a challenge. Moreover, within

the context of the realization of natural resource

development projects under the Plan Nord, it is

essential to properly ascertain and take into account

the projects’ impact on wildlife resources and their

habitats, and on the Aboriginal way of life.

To ensure the responsible, sustainable development

of wildlife resources, the government is proposing to

set out the projects to be developed in the wildlife

sector in light of three key directions:

1. Invest in the acquisition of knowledge

of the wildlife environment: The basic

knowledge available is insufficient to ensure

the sustainable development in respect of

the use of most wildlife species of interest

to sport hunters. The production of wildlife

inventories and the monitoring of species

of interest will create an up-to-date profile

of the breakdown of species and harvesting

potential.

2. Consolidate and diversify the service

offer and activities adapted to the

territory covered: Hunters and fishermen,

along with outdoor enthusiasts, are seeking

new products and new experiences such

as the observation of muskox and barren-

ground caribou in their environment.

Extensive reception infrastructure must be

upgraded in order to satisfy an increasingly

demanding clientele.

3. Foster participation by local

communities in the initiatives

implemented: Active participation by

local populations in the development and

equitable sharing of economic and social

spinoff between the communities and

regions of Northern Québec are essential

to develop wildlife resources in a

responsible, sustainable manner. The

Plan Nord will foster participation by local

populations through worker training and

assistance to start up businesses.

75

The priority initiatives in the realm of wildlife are indicated below.

SUBJECT COORDINATORPARTICIPATING

DEPARTMENTS or BODIES

IMPLEMENT A THREE-POINT PROGRAM TO DEVELOP AND ENHANCE WILDLIFE IN THE NORTH.

Develop activities related to wildlife resources in the territory:

support proposed diversified activities related to wildlife resources;

promote and arouse interest among young people in wildlife-related activities;

reach an international clientele through solicitation initiatives;

develop and offer a training program adapted to conditions in Northern Québec to provide quality wildlife services that satisfy the clientele’s expectations, including the training of guides and wildlife protection officers from the Aboriginal communities.

MRNF — Faune

Ensure participation by northern communities in the development and use of wildlife resources in the territory:

maintain and create jobs;

encourage initiatives focusing on awareness-raising and public education concerning wildlife resources and their uses and the Aboriginal cultures in the territory that the Plan Nord covers;

better publicize the northern environments in the territory and communities located there in order to attract new visitors from at home and abroad and thus develop an open territory, broaden exchanges with the outside and achieve international recognition in the realm of sustainable development.

MRNF — Faune

Acquire knowledge of northern wildlife and its habitats:

broaden knowledge of harvesting activities and the species harvested;

document the diversity and abundance of wildlife species or habitats;

assess the impact on wildlife resources of opening up the territory, anthropogenic activities or climate change.

MRNF — Faune


76

PLAN NORD

3.6 TOURISM POTENTIAL

In addition to its abundant wildlife resources,

Northern Québec possesses numerous attractions

and points of interest likely to draw tourists from

Québec and elsewhere. The assets of the territory

that the Plan Nord covers are especially attractive

to an international clientele seeking new, unusual

destinations.

First, the territory features remarkable scenery and

communities with lively, authentic cultures. The

northern lights, for example, can be observed under

optimal conditions. The river system and geophysical

traits of the territory offer outstanding potential and

their wild nature makes visitors’ excursions even

more memorable.

Encounters with the communities that inhabit

the territory are also a major centre of interest.

The communities have adapted remarkably to the

occasionally extreme environmental and climatic

conditions that prevail in Northern Québec. Growing

numbers of tourists want to become acquainted

with the way of life, customs, art and handicrafts of

northern communities.

In the Côte-Nord and James Bay regions, hydroelectric

power plants are also arousing considerable interest

among Québec and foreign tourists. Accordingly,

since 1965 in the case of the Manic-5 power plant

and the late 1980s in the case of the Robert-Bourassa

generating station, the facilities have become major

tourist attractions that offer excursions and guided

tours. In 2010, over 20 000 people visited the power

plants.

Furthermore, the potential of the expedition cruise

sector has been largely demonstrated in Nunavik

and on the Côte-Nord. Under the Stratégie de

développement durable et de promotion des

croisières internationales sur le fleuve Saint-

Laurent, $15.9 million has been granted to

develop port visits in Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles

and Havre-Saint-Pierre. The assistance that

the gouvernement du Québec has granted to

support these projects will generate investments

totalling $53.2 million.

The territory that the Plan Nord covers also offers the

ideal environment in which to engage in adventure

tourism and ecotourism, new forms of tourism that

are growing very rapidly the world over. Ecotourism

focuses mainly on the observation and appreciation

of nature and the attendant cultural components. It

is offered and practised in a sustainable manner in

order to maximize economic spinoff for residents,

respect the host environment and protect the natural

and cultural environment, in keeping with the key

objectives of the Plan Nord.

The network of protected areas, which encompass

provincial parks in Northern Québec, are a key asset

from the standpoint of northern tourism (Figure 8).

While the territories are devoted first and foremost

to the conservation and preservation of biological

integrity, they in fact offer a noteworthy environment

for structured tourism activities that respect the

environment and cultures.

The assets of the territory that the Plan Nord covers are especially

attractive to an international clientele seeking new, unusual destinations.

77

FIGURE 8

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent


Nouveau-Brunswick

Nunavut

États-Unis




(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent

Quaqtaq

Nemaska

Kuujjuaq

Salluit

Eastmain

Matagami

Chisasibi

Sept-Îles

Puvirnituq


Kuujjuarapik

Blanc-Sablon

Havre-Saint-Pierre

Schefferville

55°

60°

60°

65°

65°

70°

70°

75°

75°

80°

80°85°

60° 60°

55° 55°

50° 50°

45° 45°

Protected Areas


Havre-Saint-Pierre

25 km

Proposed park under study,territory not delineated (Assinica)

Borders



Protected areas

National Park of Québec reserve

Proposed park under considerationOther protected area

National Park of Canada reserve

National Park of Québec

0 200 km



SourcesData Territorial divisions Protected areas

Organization Year

MRNFMDDEP

20102010


78

PLAN NORD

THE TOURISM ACTION PLAN

Generally speaking, tourism in the regions that

the Plan Nord covers is in the emergent stage and

additional development and marketing efforts are,

therefore, necessary. The vast spaces, outstanding

scenery and local and Aboriginal cultures are key

assets from the standpoint of tourism development

in Northern Québec.

Tourism development and promotion in Northern

Québec are facing fundamental issues, in particular

the cohabitation of different sectors of economic

activity in a territory whose environment is fragile. The

commitment of local communities and enterprises to

develop tourism products and services is essential to

foster the emergence of a new destination and the

creation of a brand image and forceful marketing

tools. Given their geographic and sociocultural

particularities, the regions north of the 49th parallel

require separate intervention adapted to conditions

there.

The government will launch a Québec northern

tourism development strategy that will propose an

ambitious long-term perspective:

Make the region north of the 49th parallel, by

2021, a sustainable, world-class tourist destina-

tion that provides a genuine, outstanding, safe

tourist experience that combines the cohabita-

tion of the northern peoples and respect for

nature in a perspective of entrepreneurial

development and collective enrichment.

The ministère du Tourisme will implement the

tourism strategy, which has already been subject to

consensus building in the sector, in a comprehensive,

integrated manner according to the resources

available. The strategy will include, in particular,

measures pertaining to the development of tourism

supply, reception and marketing.

79

The priority initiatives in the realm of tourism are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Implement the tourism strategy MTO

Support the development and structuring of northern tourism supply by relying on sustainable development

MTO

Rely on human resource training in the tourism sector MTO

Promote and market northern destinations in order to position them on the northern world stage

MTO MRI

Plan and implement, in collaboration with local and regional communities, a reception, information and tourism development network

MTO

Monitor the development and enhancement of tourism offerings in Northern Québec

MTO

8. ha: hectare.

3.7 POTENTIAL FOR BIO-FOOD PRODUCTION

Farmland now under cultivation in the territory that

the Plan Nord covers totals just over 8 500 ha,8

i.e. roughly 5 000 ha in the Côte-Nord region,

2 300 ha in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region,

and 1 200 ha in the Nord-du-Québec region. The

cultivation of small fruits and fodder and pastureland

account for over 90% of such farmland and most of

the products are exported.

Northern Québec has 1.5 million ha of arable

land, one of the biggest reserves in North

America. For comparison purposes, total

cultivated land in Québec stands at 2 million ha.

This land may potentially increase in value through

climate change since the average temperatures

observed in the North since the 1950s have risen by

2°C. Average temperatures could again rise by 2°C

by 2050. The potential for plant growth in the North

is necessarily greater and bodes well for a promising

future for northern agriculture.

Moreover, commercial fishing in the North accounts

for 20% of all landings in Québec in terms of the

value of catches. Shipments from 15-odd plants

on the Côte-Nord total $65 million. Snow crab,

Northern shrimp, molluscs (scallops, quahogs,

Stimpson’s surfclams) and bottom fish are the main

species fished on the Côte-Nord.


80

PLAN NORD

It is noteworthy that a remarkable partnership

has developed there between the regional fishing

industry and the Aboriginal communities, which

possess over 25% of the quotas and fish-processing

plants. In Nunavik, the Makivik Corporation has

joined with businesses to purchase fish factory ships

that catch and directly process on board an annual

quota of 8 000 t of Northern shrimp, which is then

sold on international markets.

Furthermore, the regular supplying at reasonable

cost of the population in Northern Québec is a

logistical, economic and public health challenge.

Food is expensive in the North, all the more so in the

case of fresh products such as fruits and vegetables

that are shipped by air. The accessibility, cost,

quantity, quality, limited diversity, wholesomeness,

and nutritional value of food sold and consumed in

the North have obvious repercussions on the health

and life expectancy of northern populations.

These factors are spurring regional stakeholders to

develop agricultural production and the processing

and distribution of food to offer local supplies and

rebalance the eating habits of northern populations.

81

9. A small, slightly acid, orange-coloured fruit that resembles a raspberry and grows in peat bogs in sub-Arctic regions.

10. Certification issued by a certification firm that applies international validation standards attesting the responsible, sustainable nature of the fishery.

11. A traditional food or one that appears to be so that is part of the everyday diet, which produces beneficial physiological effects that exceed its usual nutritional functions or reduces the risk of chronic diseases.

12. A product manufactured from food substances but offered in the form of tablets, powder, potions or other medicinal forms not usually associated with foods, which has a beneficial physiological effect or protects against chronic diseases.

POTENTIAL FOR BIO-FOOD PRODUCTIONThe northern climate is suited to market garden production, e.g. vegetables, root crops, and so on, and, in particular, the cultivation of small fruits such as blueberries and cranberries, which are rich in substances acknowledged to be beneficial to health such as antioxidants, which enhances their appeal to consumers and their marketing potential. Other less well-known fruits such as huckleberries and cloudberries9 also grow in the North.

Québec’s boreal forest and vast tundra also harbour enormous, scarcely-known potential with respect to non-timber forest products, which have varied commercial uses such as food and food additives, aromatic plants, resins, essential oils, medicinal products, skin-care products, ornamental products or biofuels.

There are a number of development opportunities in respect of commercial fishing and aquaculture north of the 49th parallel. Stocks of mackerel, capelin, herring and sea urchins in the Moyenne- and Haute-Côte-Nord regions are virtually untouched.

The cold, hardly polluted waters are also suited to the establishment of seawater farming. Moreover, the type of fishing carried on readily lends itself to eco-certification10 that guarantees access to the most lucrative, promising markets.

Marine resources and land-based products can also serve as healthy ingredients, either directly as health-enhancing foods,11 or as inputs in an array of pharmaceutical, nutraceutical12 or natural health products. The Makivik Corporation (Nunavik) has already concluded agreements with Québec research centres such as the Institut de recherche en biologie végétale at the Université de Montréal and the Centre d’études des procédés chimiques du Québec to pinpoint biomolecules for applications designed to attenuate the symptoms of ageing and cure or reduce the incidence of diseases.


82

PLAN NORD

THE BIO-FOOD SECTOR ACTION PLAN

Reliance on the bio-food sector in Northern Québec

is a tool for social, community and sustainable

development that can promote the settling of

populations in their territories and ensure their

betterment.

Remoteness from major markets and the cost of and

logistical constraints in respect of the transportation

of foodstuffs also affect the type of bio-food

products that can be profitably grown in the territory.

The development of conditioning and processing

infrastructure and distinctive niche products with

high added value are the strategies being emphasized

to contend with transportation constraints. Reliance

on renewable energy sources in the northern villages

paves the way to the development in the North of

greenhouse-gas-free, affordable greenhouses.

Reliance on the bio-food sector in Northern Québec is a tool for

social, community and sustainable development that can promote

the settling of populations in their territories and ensure

their betterment.

The question of manpower also poses a challenge.

For example, in the commercial fishing sector,

the ageing of the workers and strong appeal of

other types of less physically demanding or better

remunerated employment are key factors that are

compelling the calling into question of ways of doing

business.

However, these challenges are surmountable through

the mobilization of the stakeholders in this nascent

industry and their determination to methodically

plan activities that ensure a sustainable future for

the development of the North’s bio-food potential.

83

The priority initiatives in the bio-food sector are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Establish a bio-food research network north of the 49th parallel MAPAQ FED

Support the setting up of greenhouses in the North MAPAQ MRNF, MDEIE

Elaborate a development strategy in respect of non-timber forest products

MAPAQMRNF — Forêts,

FED, MDEIE

Implement a sustainable development strategy in respect of small northern fruits


MDEIE

Develop a joint strategy to promote local and rural products outside the regions covered, in particular through the use of positive promotional terms

MAPAQMTO, MDEIE,

MCCCF

Establish a network to support the development of the marketing of regional and rural products on the interregional market, especially to supply the kitchens of restaurants, outfitting operations, major construction sites and communities located farther north

MAPAQMRNF — Faune, MSSS, MAMROT,

Hydro-Québec, MTO


The IOC Mining Company port in Sept-Îles © Québec Mining Association

The territory that the Plan Nord covers abounds in resources and wealth. However,

only a small part of the territory’s immense economic potential has been tapped

because of the difficulty of access. The development of an integrated transportation

and modern communications services network is necessary to develop the North.

CHAPTER 4

MAKE THE NORTH ACCESSIBLE THROUGH TRANSPORTATION

AND COMMUNICATIONS

86

PLAN NORD

The territory’s very vastness poses a considerable

challenge from the standpoint of access. The cost

of building new transportation and communications

infrastructure is often prohibitive because of the

considerable distances between the territories.

It costs twice as much to maintain and establish

transportation and communications infrastructure

in the territory that the Plan Nord covers than

in southern Québec. For example, the cost of

building public housing in Nunavik is twice as high

as elsewhere for different reasons, in particular the

transportation of materials and manpower, housing

for workers and other specific requirements.

To meet these challenges, the government has given

the Société du Plan Nord a mandate to develop on

an ongoing basis a new comprehensive, integrated

perspective of different modes of transportation

and means of communication. To this end, the

Société du Plan Nord will encourage collaboration

and participation by the government departments

and bodies concerned, regional authorities, the

Aboriginal nations and the businesses already

present in the territory or about to set up operations

there.

Moreover, the government will emphasize public

investments that contribute the most to the

development of an integrated transportation and

communications network that facilitates the realiza-

tion of structuring economic development projects.

Lastly, the government will demand from the

private partners a contribution to fund investments

for infrastructure that is built, by and large, for the

benefit of an economic development project. The

government, private-sector partners and users must

fairly share the costs.

The government, private-sector partners and users must fairly

share the costs.

Through this approach, it will be possible to develop

infrastructure networks at the same pace as the

development of the territory’s economic potential,

minimize the environmental impact of development,

and abide by the government’s financial framework.

4.1 DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

The territory that the Plan Nord covers includes

undeniable strategic advantages with respect to

infrastructure (Figure 9) with a view to developing

an integrated transportation network.

In the realm of maritime transport, four of Québec’s

10 biggest ports from the standpoint of commer-

cial tonnage handled are located in the Côte-Nord

region, i.e. Sept-Îles–Pointe-Noire, Port-Cartier, Baie-

Comeau and Havre-Saint-Pierre. The Port de Sept-Îles

even ranks third in Canada in respect of bulk

tonnage handled. Port infrastructure will undergo

major development because of the mineral resources

that the emerging countries are seeking.

The airport system is also a key asset for the region

that the Plan Nord covers. It currently comprises

46 airport facilities at all levels of jurisdiction,

including 26 airports and six heliports for which the

gouvernement du Québec is responsible. Moreover,

Hydro-Québec owns five airports in the territory that

the Plan Nord covers.

87

Baie d'Hudson


Détroit d'Hudson

Baie James

Baie d'Ungava

Océan Atlantique

Mer du Labrador

Fleuve

Saint-Laurent


Nouveau-Brunswick

Nunavut

États-Unis




(nondu

Conseildéfinitif)

1927Tracé

deprivé

Quaqtaq

Nemaska

Kuujjuaq

Salluit

Eastmain

Matagami

Chisasibi

Sept-Îles

Puvirnituq


Kuujjuarapik

Blanc-Sablon

Havre-Saint-Pierre

Baie-Comeau

Radisson

Schefferville

55°

60°

60°

65°

65°

70°

70°

75°

75°

80°

80°85°

60° 60°

55° 55°

50° 50°

45° 45°

Transportation Infrastructure

Transportation infrastructure

Borders

0 200 kmInterprovincial borderInternational border

ProductionMinistère des Ressources naturelles et de la FauneDirection générale adjointe de l'information géographique




SourcesData Territorial divisions Transportation infrastructure

Organization Year

MRNFMRNF

20102010


Gravel road

Higher network airport; lower network airportBreakwater; unloading areaPort; deepwater portQuayRailway

Paved road


AND COMMUNICATIONS

FIGURE 9

88

PLAN NORD

The rail network in the eastern portion of the territory

comprises five private networks that the mining

industry uses to transport mineral ore. To the west,

railway lines link Matagami and Lebel-sur-Quévillon

to southern Québec and Ontario. Rail service is also

available between Chapais and Chibougamau and

the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and southern

Québec. All told, the Québec rail network north of

the 49th parallel spans 1 190 km.

The road network is hardly developed north of the

49th parallel. In the western portion of the territory,

it is concentrated, above all, in the James Bay/Eeyou

Istchee region because of hydroelectric development.

In the eastern portion, Route 138 links Tadoussac to

Natashquan and Route 389 links Baie-Comeau and

Fermont. Route 385 links Forestville and Labrieville.

The road network also comprises 51 000 km of

logging roads. The network is strategic since all users

can travel on the roads, whether they are interested

in wildlife, mines, hiking or forestry. Logging roads

have made possible the development of territories

that used to be accessible solely by air.

The Plan Nord poses a twofold challenge. On the

one hand, the integration of different modes of

transportation into a strategic, coherent network

is essential to the development of the territory’s

immense resources. On the other hand, the age

of the transportation network requires major

rehabilitation and appropriate maintenance.

The development of an integrated transportation

network will necessitate the pooling of the expertise

of all government departments and bodies and

the collaboration of regional stakeholders and

businesses already operating in the territory or that

have development projects. It will be the Société du

Plan Nord’s role to coordinate the stakeholders.

The gouvernement du Québec has not waited

for the publication of the Plan Nord to invest in

transportation infrastructure. In the 2009 Budget, it

announced a program to rebuild northern airports

and rehabilitate Route 389 from Baie-Comeau

to Fermont. It also launched the extension of

Route 167 to the Otish Mountains and Route 138 to

Blanc-Sablon.

From now on, reconstruction needs in the trans-

portation network north of the 49th parallel will

be analysed under the Programme quinquennal des

infrastructures.

In addition, the Société du Plan Nord and

its partners must assess the opportunities

to be seized from the possible opening of

the Northwest Passage, which will ultimately

appreciably reduce transportation time between

Asia and Europe and must be evaluated in order

to fully profit from it. Québec can position

itself advantageously on this new maritime

route, which promises to considerably alter

world trade.

89

THE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION AND RAIL NETWORKSTHE MARITIME TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

The maritime transportation network comprises over 40 marine infrastructure facilities located in 32 municipalities and Northern villages, mainly quays, floating docks, breakwaters, and boat launching ramps.

It also encompasses four of Québec’s 10 biggest ports from the standpoint of tonnage handled, i.e. the ports of Sept-Îles–Pointe-Noire, Port-Cartier, Baie-Comeau and Havre-Saint-Pierre, all of them on the Côte-Nord.

The Nord-du-Québec region has one private deepwater quay at Baie-Déception, which serves the Raglan mine. Maritime service should also be noted in the Moyenne- and Basse-Côte-Nord regions.

The Côte-Nord region is also linked to the south shore of the St. Lawrence River by a ferry that operates between Baie-Comeau, Godbout and Matane. A train ferry also links Baie-Comeau and Sept-Îles to Matane. Lastly, a ferry links Blanc-Sablon and Sainte-Barbe, an island off Newfoundland and Labrador.

THE RAIL NETWORK

The mining industry uses five private rail networks located in the eastern portion of the territory to transport mineral ore:

■ ArcelorMittal Mines Canada operates a railroad line between the Mont Wright mine and Port-Cartier.

■ Transport Ferroviaire Tshiuetin (TFT) serves Emeril Junction (Labrador)-Schefferville.

■ Chemin de fer Arnaud operates a railway between Pointe-Noire and Sept-Îles.

■ Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway Company links Sept-Îles and Emeril Junction (Labrador).

■ Compagnie de Chemin de fer de la rivière la Romaine links Havre-Saint-Pierre and Lac Tio.

To the west, railway lines link Matagami and Lebel-sur-Quévillon to Abitibi-Témiscamingue, southern Québec and Ontario. Rail service is also available between Chapais and Chibougamau and the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and southern Québec.


AND COMMUNICATIONS

90

PLAN NORD

THE ROAD NETWORKIn the western portion of the territory, the road network is mainly concentrated in the James Bay/Eeyou Istchee territory:

■ Route 109 links Matagami and Amos;

■ the James Bay Road links Chisasibi and Radisson to Matagami;

■ Route 113 links Chibougamau and the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region;

■ the North Road links Chibougamau and Nemaska, then joins the James Bay Road;

■ Route 167 links Mistissini and Chibougamau to the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region;

■ the Trans-Taiga Road runs east to west over 670 km along the hydroelectric facilities at the La Grande Complex to the Caniapiscau reservoir.

In the eastern portion of the territory:

■ Route 138 links Tadoussac and Natashquan;

■ Route 389 links Baie-Comeau and Fermont;

■ Route 385 links Forestville and Labrieville.

The road network also comprises 51 000 km of logging roads.

THE AIRPORT SYSTEM The existing airport system comprises 46 airport facilities at all levels of jurisdiction, including 26 airports and six heliports for which the gouvernement du Québec is responsible.

The infrastructure links, in particular, Montréal and Québec City airports with:

Hydro-Québec owns five airports located at Nemaska, La Grande 3, La Grande 4, La Grande Rivière and La Forge 2.

A private airport is used to operate the Raglan mine in Nunavik.

■ the 14 Northern villages in Nunavik;

■ five Cree communities;

■ Lebel-sur-Quévillon;

■ Matagami;

■ Chibougamau;

■ Chapais;

■ Radisson;

■ Fermont;

■ Schefferville;

■ Sept-Îles;

■ Baie-Comeau;

■ municipalities and towns and villages in Minganie and the Basse-Côte-Nord region.

91

THE TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE ACTION PLAN

The government will emphasize the establishment

of an integrated transportation network. To this

end, it is adopting a new approach that consists

in maximizing the contribution that infrastructure

development projects make to the network’s

establishment.

It will be essential for private investors to be

partners in the establishment of transportation

infrastructure. Business models will be elaborated

The priority initatives in the realm of transportation are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Conduct studies to ascertain the feasibility of a road or rail link from Kuujjuaq southward

MTQ

Conduct studies to ascertain the feasibility and profitability of a deepwater port in Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik and of the construction of a land link to Radisson

MTQ

Extend Route 167 to the Otish Mountains MTQ MRNF

Rebuild Route 389 between Baie-Comeau and Fermont MTQ

Pursue the upgrading of airports MTQ MRNF

Pursue the extension of Route 138 between Natashquan and Kegaska

MTQ

Extend Route 138 by building a link between Kegaska and Blanc-Sablon

MTQ

Carry out a pilot project focusing on northern transportation weight standards

MTQ MRNF

Take stock of the needs of promoters and businesses

Promoters/ Enterprises

Determine with the interveners concerned the best routes to serve a maximum number of uses

Participate in the construction, maintenance and financing of access routes

to satisfy the distinctive nature of each economic

development project. Private-sector partners

will contribute financially to infrastructure projects

linked directly to their investment projects.

The government is emphasizing transportation

infrastructure projects that provide access to the

territories with the greatest economic potential.

Furthermore, the government intends to emphasize

the rehabilitation and maintenance of the existing

network in order to consolidate it.


AND COMMUNICATIONS

92

PLAN NORD

4.2 TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE

Telecommunications are now essential to any form

of economic and social development. The available

technologies only partly satisfy the needs of

communities and businesses.

In recent years, the realization of new telecom-

munications infrastructure projects within the

framework of government initiatives, in particular

the Connectivity for Québec’s Communities pro-

gram, has enhanced school and municipal services.

In Nunavik, the Kativik Regional Government,

through the increase in its satellite capacity initiated

in 2007, has improved educational services. Students

from the Kativik School Board can now access the

Internet in all schools and thus find educational con-

tent online. Internet access also benefits businesses

and residents. However, any service enhancement

assumes a significant increase in the cost of the

requisite bandwidth.

In James Bay, the installation of fibre optic

infrastructure has been completed and the final

acceptance of the work is slated for mid-May

2011. The service will be introduced gradually in

the coming months. It will enable students from

the James Bay School Board and the Cree School

Board to access services equivalent to those in other

regions of Québec. The infrastructure will also be

made available to local promoters to ensure that

they have access to high-speed Internet service.

On the Basse-Côte-Nord, the rollout project is now in

the engineering phase and work should commence

in the coming months.

Given the very high cost of accessing such services

in the northern regions, concrete measures must be

promptly implemented to make available services

such as high-speed Internet and cellular telephony,

which can also contribute to the quality of life of

families and young people.

In the same way, distance training, which, in some

instances may afford an appropriate solution for these

regions, will require efficient means of communications.

Moreover, the private-sector businesses that set up

operations in the territory that the Plan Nord covers

will exert additional pressure from the standpoint

of high-bandwidth services. The establishment of a

suitable telecommunications network along access

routes in the territory that the Plan Nord covers will

also facilitate the organization of troubleshooting

operations or emergency response.

For this reason, the government will initially

emphasize the improvement of telecommunications

networks to broaden access to the territories in the

North and facilitate entrepreneurial development. In

this way, communities can obtain better services in

a number of fields such as education and health and

social services.

93

TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICESNUNAVIK: SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS

The KRG operates a satellite communications network that links 14 Northern villages. The regional network offers Internet access to schools, municipalities, regional police forces, private homes, businesses and organizations. A project to improve satellite communications, managed by the KRG, was launched in 2007 with a view to increasing existing satellite capacity to allow access to a number of remote services such as telemedicine.

THE JAMES BAY/EEYOU ISTCHEE TERRITORY: FIBRE OPTICS

In the James Bay/Eeyou Istchee region, the Eeyou communication network, which comprises the Cree and James Bay communities, received in April 2010 $19.2 million ($9.6 million from Québec through the Connectivity for Québec’s Communities program and $9.6 million from the federal government) to establish telecommunications infrastructure. Local organizations will also contribute $9.6 million. This high-bandwidth network relies primarily on fibre-optic technology and is intended to serve the entire James Bay/Eeyou Istchee territory. It should become operational in the summer of 2011.

THE BASSE-CÔTE-NORD REGION: MIXED MICROWAVE AND TERRESTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE

On the Basse-Côte-Nord, the most suitable telecommunications technology relies on mixed microwave and terrestrial infrastructure.1 The Commission scolaire du Littoral and the MRC du Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent have received $7.8 million from the gouvernement du Québec’s Connectivity for Québec’s Communities program to implement telecommunications infrastructure to link their respective buildings.

1. Transmission by Hertzian waves that make it possible, in particular, to receive radio and television waves.


AND COMMUNICATIONS

94

PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives in the realm of telecommunications are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Invest in telecommunications infrastructure MAMROT and MRNF MDEIE

Make known their existing means of communications, as the case may be, and their investment projects in these fields

Promoters/ EnterprisesBe receptive to partnerships that call, for example, for the pooling

of their facilities for the benefit of communities or investments in joint projects

THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE ACTION PLAN

Atlantic puffins in the MRC de Minganie © Christian Chevalier

CHAPTER 5

PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT

At all stages of the planning and realization of the projects put forward under the

Plan Nord, the protection of the environment and northern ecosystems, which are

especially sensitive to climate change and disturbances stemming from human

intervention, will be at the forefront of decision-making.

A concern for environmental protection and biodiversity will be an integral part of

all development projects under the Plan Nord.

98

PLAN NORD

5.1 A FRAGILE, CHANGING TERRITORY

Its unique northern heritage enriches Québec. It

can still rely on immense territories and intact or

hardly disturbed rivers. The biodiversity of this

vast territory where the human presence is still

limited is an important identity symbol for the

territory’s residents and for all Quebecers.

It is in this perspective but also because current

knowledge of northern biodiversity must be

broadened that the environmental component is

crucial to the approach adopted under the Plan Nord.

To properly protect biodiversity, it is essential to first

know it better and describe and map it in order to

integrate it into decision-making. In the absence of

such knowledge, it is essential to act cautiously and

protect the environment in keeping with existing

knowledge. It is also important to incorporate into

development decision-making ecological planning

processes to ensure the maintenance of biodiversity

and the preservation of territories and thus respect

the support capacity of ecosystems. The challenge

is a daunting one given the complexity of northern

ecosystems, the vastness of the territory and the

dynamic of climate change occurring there.

Climate change is a tangible reality in the North.

The government is already collaborating with the

Kativik Regional Government and the community

of Salluit in Nunavik to elaborate solutions to deal

with problems stemming from the deterioration of

1. Any soil, subsoil, or other surficial deposit, or even bedrock, occurring in arctic, subarctic, and alpine regions at a variable depth beneath the Earth’s surface in which a temperature below freezing has existed continuously for a long time (from two years to tens of thousands of years). It exists where summer temperatures do not reach the base of the layer of frozen ground.

2. Ouranos assembles some 250 scientists and professionals from various disciplines. It seeks to acquire and develop knowledge on climate change and its impact on socioeconomic and environmental vulnerabilities in order to inform decision-makers about climate change and advise them to identify, assess, promote and implement local and regional adaptation strategies. [www.ouranos.ca/]

the permafrost,1 which are affecting planning and

development in the village. Several buildings there

have been erected on lots undermined by subsidence

and buckling. In addition, thawing of the permafrost

causes subsidence and cracking, which affect airport

and road infrastructure in Nunavik.

Changes in ice conditions and stormy weather

stemming from climate change could also

compromise the integrity of marine infrastructure.

Accordingly, the ministère des Transports du Québec,

in collaboration with Ouranos,2 a consortium on

regional climatology and adaptation to climate

change, has launched a research project aimed at

anticipating the potential impact of climate change

on Nunavik’s marine infrastructure with a view to

finding solutions to adapt to it, as the case may be.

Moreover, coastal regions, in particular the Côte-

Nord region, where all facilities are located along

the shoreline, are exposed to heavier precipitation,

higher tides and more frequent storms. Extensive

highway and street facilities are located in vulnerable

zones subject to submersion or shoreline erosion.

It is also important to incorporate into development decision-making

ecological planning processes to ensure the maintenance of biodiversity

and the preservation of territories.

99

Lastly, more frequent mild spells, a result of global

warming, affect animal migrations and increase

the vulnerability to insects of forests and market

gardening.

For all of these reasons, Northern Québec is an ideal

vantage point from which to study environmental and

ecological phenomena. Furthermore, the northern

regions worldwide are contributing to a sweeping

international effort to inventory biodiversity and

environmental parameters. The North is thus also

a focal point of research that requires extensive

international collaboration.

5.2 THE MEANS TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PROCESSES

Under the Plan Nord, the assurance of sustainable

development and environmental management

necessarily depends on the sound planning of

the projects. The government undertakes to ensure

that the projects are carried out in a spirit of respect for

Québec’s environmental legislation and regulations and,

therefore, after rigorous environmental assessments

have been conducted that abide by existing processes

and respect the populations concerned.

In particular, a number of projects must undergo an

environmental impact assessment. The assessments

ensure, prior to the realization of the projects, that

all of the factors that affect ecosystems, resources

and the quality of life of individuals and communities

3. South of the 55th parallel in the territory that the JBNQA covers: Chapter 22 of the JBNQA, concerning the Cree territory, covers this territory. The Evaluating Committee comprising six representatives, two from Québec, two from Canada and two from the Cree Regional Authority, determines whether or not projects are subject to assessment. The committee also prepares directives concerning impact studies in respect of the projects subject to assessment. The projects subject to this impact assessment procedure are submitted for analysis and recommendation to the Review Committee, comprising three Québec members and two Cree members. The deputy minister of the MDDEP, who acts as the provincial administrator of the JBNAQ, issues directives concerning impact studies and authorizations following the recommendations of the northern committees. North of the 55th parallel in the territory that the JBNQA covers: Chapter 23 of the JBNQA, concerning the territory of Nunavik, covers this territory. The Kativik Environmental Quality Commission examines the inclusion and assessment of projects subject to the impact assessment procedure and transmits its decisions to the provincial administrator for implementation.

are considered, analysed and interpreted. Bearing in

mind the vast territory that the Plan Nord covers, the

project’s location will determine the process through

which it is analysed. In fact, the environmental

impact assessment process varies depending on

whether the project is located inside or outside the

territory covered by the James Bay and Northern

Quebec Agreement (JBNQA).

■ Procedure to assess and examine impact

on the natural and social environments:

The territory that the JBNQA covers

encompasses Nunavik, the James Bay/Eeyou

Istchee region and the Abitibi region, as

well as the de Moinier region northwest of

Schefferville. This vast territory is subject to

two assessment processes depending on

whether the project is located north or south

of the 55th parallel.3

■ Procedure to assess and examine

environmental impact outside the

territories covered by the JBNQA: In the

Côte-Nord and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

regions and in the rest of Québec, projects

that are covered by the Regulation respecting

environmental impact assessment and review

will be analysed pursuant to sections 31.1 et

seq. of Section IV.1 of the Environment Quality

Act (R.S.Q., c. Q-2). The projects may be

submitted to the Bureau d’audience publique

sur l’environnement (BAPE) for the purpose of

holding public hearings.


100

PLAN NORD

Moreover, certain projects analysed through an

environmental assessment pursuant to either of

the Québec procedures may also be covered by

the rules stipulated in the Canadian Environmental

Assessment Act (S.C. 1992, c. 37).

5.3 COMMITMENTS TO ENSURE THE PRESERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY AND FOSTER SUSTAINABLE USE OF IT

While the resources of the northern territories seem

immense, their development must take into account

ecosystem equilibrium and their support capacity.

The challenges imposed by the prevention of

repercussions on biodiversity and the preservation of

the integrity of all species and ecosystems require

the adoption of measures dedicated to minimizing

the ecological footprint of development initiatives

devoted to the territory and natural resources.

It is important to incorporate into the realization

of all projects to develop natural resources and

the territory mitigation measures pertaining, in

particular, to threatened and vulnerable species and

rare, outstanding or fragile ecosystems.

4. Ecosystem-based development means development that consists in ensuring the preservation of the biodiversity and viability of ecosystems by reducing the differences between developed and natural forests . The concept is central to the recent Sustainable Forest Development Act. Québec will from now on emphasize this means of ensuring the sustainable development of its forests. [www.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/forets/amenagement/amenagement-ecosystemique.jsp]

Such an approach must include follow-up and

monitoring processes and biodiversity assessments

throughout the territory. Experiments developed in

conjunction with ecosystemic forest management4 by

the ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune

could serve as a reference for the implementation of

such measures.

The government is making two key commitments

to ensure environmental protection in the territory

that the Plan Nord covers while abiding by all

of the processes linked to environmental impact

assessments.

5.3.1 Devote half the territory that the Plan Nord covers to purposes other than industrial ones, environmental protection and safeguarding biodiversity

The government intends, ultimately, to devote 50%

of the territory that the Plan Nord covers to purposes

other than industrial ones, environmental protection,

and safeguarding biodiversity. Accordingly, it is seeking

to strike a balance between types of development

and forms of conservation, in a perspective of the

sustainable development of the territory.

To attain this objective, the government will

withdraw from industrial activity land in the Québec

public domain located in the territory that the

Plan Nord covers by resorting to mechanisms

enshrined in a statute.

101

The legislation will serve primarily to clarify:

■ the general process and the nature of the

setting aside of land reserved for purposes

other than industrial ones, environmental

protection, and the safeguarding of

biodiversity, except for protected areas;

■ the definition of the notion of industrial

activities;

■ the process of implementing the government’s

decision and its linkage with territorial

planning operations.

Before such legislation is tabled, the government

intends to consult Quebecers on the measures that it

is contemplating to follow up on its commitment to

protect the environment, safeguard biodiversity and

the use of the territory for non-industrial purposes.

PRINCIPLES CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT

1) Enable current generations to satisfy their needs but ensure that future generations also have the possibility of satisfying their needs.

2) Assure all Quebecers now and in the future that the ecological services now provided by ecosystems and biodiversity in the territory that the Plan Nord covers will be maintained or even enhanced.

3) Establish a dynamic approach to identify the territory that will be withdrawn from industrial activity in order to adapt to changing knowledge and social, economic and environmental conditions.

4) Guarantee, through the implementation of information, consultation and possible partnership mechanisms, consideration of the interests, needs and concerns voiced by Aboriginal, regional and local communities.

The development potential of natural resources and

conservation potential based on the ecological value

of the territory covered by the Plan Nord are still, by

and large, unknown. A comprehensive knowledge

acquisition approach will ensure that the decisions

made in the context of the Plan Nord are based on

multidisciplinary environmental, ecological,

socioeconomic and other data that offer a maximum

of reliability. Projects of an industrial or other nature

will develop gradually, in particular as knowledge of

the territory becomes available.

Accordingly, the government is seeking to strike a balance

between types of development and forms of conservation, in a perspective of the sustainable development of the territory.


102

PLAN NORD

In such a context, it is essential to plan for the

identification of new potential, economic development,

preservation or other sectors and their possible

development. The process proposed will pinpoint,

within the framework of an ecological planning

process, the territories withdrawn from industrial

activities and those that should be set aside beyond

the mechanisms adopted in respect of protected

areas and replacement areas.

5.3.2 Round out the network of protected areas

The establishment by 2015 of a network of protected

areas equivalent to at least 12% of the area covered

by the Plan Nord is a significant component of the

government’s commitments from the standpoint of

the protection of this territory but also of Québec’s

territory overall.

A comprehensive knowledge acquisition approach will ensure that

the decisions made in the context of the Plan Nord are based on

multidisciplinary data that offer a maximum of reliability.

As of December 31, 2010, there were 136 042 km2

of protected areas in Québec, equivalent to roughly

8.16% of its territory overall. The territory that

the Plan Nord covers extends over an area of

1.2 million km2, equivalent to over 70% of Québec’s

territory. The proportion of protected areas in this

zone now stands at 9.4%. The territory of Northern

Québec will have contributed significantly to these

gains since:

■ the proportion of protected areas in the

boreal zone increased from 2.5% in 2002 to

9% in 2009;

■ significant portions of the Rivière

Ashuapmushuan (Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean),

the Rivière Moisie (Côte-Nord), the Rivière

Harricana (Nord-du-Québec), the Rivière

Natashquan (Côte-Nord), the Rivière George

(Nord-du-Québec) and the Rivière Koroc (Nord-

du-Québec), which are among Québec’s most

beautiful rivers, have been protected;

■ a large proportion of major fresh water

systems has also been set aside (this is true,

among others sites, of Lac Mistassini and

Lac Albanel as well as Lac Guillaume-Delisle

and Lac à l’Eau-Claire, in the Nord-du-Québec

region);

■ in Québec as a whole, there are now

30 protected areas that cover over 1 000 km2,

including two that cover over 10 000 km2,

and a large proportion of them have

been established in the territory that

the Plan Nord covers;

103

■ lastly, two provincial parks5 have been

established since 2002 in the territory that the

Plan Nord covers and other projects there will

significantly expand in the near future the

area covered by the network of Québec

provincial parks.

The establishment of new protected areas with a

view to attaining the target of at least 12% by 2015

will be carried out by means of a process that calls

upon all of the stakeholders. Moreover, the process

will entail:

■ bolstering the existing process respecting

consultation and providing the public and

stakeholders in the territory with information

upstream from government decision-making

concerning the creation of the new

protected areas;

5. The Parc national des Pingualuit and the Parc national Kuururjuaq.

■ the consultation of the Aboriginal

communities, also upstream from the decision-

making process, and consideration of their

rights and concerns as regards the creation

and management of the protected areas;

■ linking of the processes concerning the

creation of protected areas and the processes

of land-use planning and development, in a

context of integrated management; and

■ consideration of socioeconomic factors,

especially through the recognition of the

rights granted in the territory, the economic

repercussions that can affect natural resource

enterprises, the social impact on communities,

and current and future needs in terms of

access to the territory.

Accordingly, in 2015, at least 12% of the territory

to which the Plan Nord applies will satisfy the

international criteria of the International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN) governing protected

areas and the territories in question will be recorded

in the Register of Protected Areas.


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PLAN NORD

MAGNIFICENT SCENERYTHE PARC NATIONAL DES PINGUALUIT

In 2004, the government inaugurated the Parc national des Pingualuit, the first park to be established in Nunavik. Developed in collaboration with the Kativik Regional Government and the Makivik Corporation, the park covers an area of 1 133.9 km2.

Its key characteristic is the Pingualuit Crater, formerly known as the New Quebec Crater, a meteorite crater that is one of the most recent and best preserved in the world. The depression that the impact created is now filled with exceptionally pure water.

The park also protects numerous attractions specific to this area of Ungava, including part of the calving grounds of the Rivière aux Feuilles caribou herd.

The park is located southwest of the Inuit community of Kangiqsujuaq.

THE PARC NATIONAL KUURURJUAQ

The Parc national Kuururjuaq, the second park to have been created in Nunavik in collaboration with Inuit organizations, was inaugurated in 2009.

It is located east of Ungava Bay and features some of Québec’s most spectacular scenery. The 1 646-m-high Mont D’Iberville, directly east of the park, is the highest peak in Québec and dominates the Torngat Mountains massif. From the mountaintops are visible the vast amphitheatres carved by the glaciers, the majestic fjords of the Labrador Sea.

The Rivière Koroc has its source in these mountains. The Parc national Kuururjuaq protects almost the entire drainage basin of the limpid river with its cascades and waterfalls.

105

THE ECOSYSTEM AND BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION ACTION PLAN

By 2015, the implementation of the process to set

aside territories withdrawn from industrial activities

will include:

■ public consultations on the processes,

mechanisms and orientations that will ensure

compliance with the commitment made;

■ the elaboration of a legislative framework and

the adoption of an implementation statute;

■ the implementation of a comprehensive

approach to knowledge acquisition and

ecological planning in respect of the territory;

■ the implementation of replacement

mechanisms in respect of land that is allocated

to industrial purposes;

■ the initiation of ecological planning to

determine the territories to be withdrawn from

industrial activities and to set aside portions of

the territories;

■ the initiation of the approach respecting the

setting aside, through governmental decisions,

of the territories devoted to non-industrial

activities.

6. [www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/biodiversite/aires_protegees/portrait02-09/fr/intro.pdf]

Moreover, in 2015, at least 12% of the territory that

the Plan Nord covers must be earmarked for the

establishment of protected areas. The key forms of

legal status to be attributed to such areas are that of

a provincial park, a biodiversity reserve, an aquatic

reserve, an ecological reserve, and a wildlife habitat.

In addition, some 31 034 km2 will be added to the

existing network of protected areas to conform to

the government’s ambitious commitment.

The government is elaborating the planning of

additions to the current network of protected areas

based on new orientations stemming from the Portrait

du réseau des aires protégées – Période 2002 - 2009,6

which has established the shortcomings to be

remedied from the standpoint, in particular, of the

representativeness of the preservation of biodiversity.

Lastly, it hopes to pursue its deliberations with the

environmental sector concerning the approach adopted

under the Plan Nord. In this respect, it can rely on

the deliberations of the new Table de concertation

sur la conservation established by the ministère du

Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des

Parcs. This is an important facet of the sustainable

development approach to which the government is

committed.


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PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives to preserve ecosystems and biodiversity are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Broaden knowledge for the purposes of decision-making, the preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and environmental protection

MDDEP MRNF

Finish and distribute the Atlas sur la biodiversité du Québec nordique

MDDEPFondation Prince

Albert II de Monaco, Ouranos, MRI

Establish provincial parks MDDEP

Set aside over 31 000 km2 of land and attribute, among other things, the status of projected biodiversity reserves or projected aquatic reserves

MDDEP MRNF

Adopt a legislative framework concerning the commitment to devote 50% of the territory in question to non-industrial activities and coordinate its implementation

MDDEP

Participate in initiatives to protect the territory


Promote the adoption of environmentally-friendly practices

Work with the partners to ensure the ecological development of the natural heritage

Abide by the withdrawal of public lands and protected areas


Adopt environmentally-friendly practices

Adopt in each of their projects environmental protection, mitigation or restoration plans

A train transports iron ore concentrate on the Côte-Nord © Québec Mining Association

The Plan Nord is ambitious and requires substantial investment. At the same time,

its implementation must respect the government’s overall financial framework, i.e.

the plan to return to fiscal balance and the reduction of the weight of the debt.

CHAPTER 6

THE 2011-2016 PLAN NORD FINANCIAL FRAMEWORK

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PLAN NORD

To attain its two objectives, the government is

implementing innovative funding:

■ first, private-sector partners will be required

to contribute to fund investments in

infrastructure built essentially for the benefit

of an economic development project;

■ second, part of the tax revenues stemming

from economic development initiatives such

as mining and hydroelectricity projects

(including the tax on public services) will

be reinvested in the implementation

of the Plan Nord;

■ third, direct and indirect tax spinoff from

public insfrastructure projects will also be

used to fund the Plan Nord;

■ fourth, Hydro-Québec will contribute each

year to funding projects in the territory

that the Plan Nord covers.

This innovative funding establishes a direct link

between economic activity that the Plan Nord

triggers and the resources invested to develop

infrastructure and enhance services intended for the

inhabitants of the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

Accordingly, the quality of life of the territory’s

residents will improve from the outset of the

Plan Nord’s implementation and at the pace of

development of economic activities.

This approach also has the advantage of protecting

the government’s financial framework. If, for

example, mining activity increases, the government

This innovative funding establishes a direct link between economic

activity that the Plan Nord triggers and the resources invested to develop

infrastructure and enhance services intended for the inhabitants of the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

can accelerate the rollout of the Plan Nord because

of higher tax revenues. In the event of an economic

slowdown, the government can reduce the pace

of its investments to maintain fiscal balance. This

innovative funding takes into account the high

sensitivity of natural resource-related economic

activity to economic cycles.

6.1 CREATION OF THE FONDS DU PLAN NORD

To implement this business plan, the government

is establishing the Fonds du Plan Nord, a special-

purpose fund devoted to the implementation of the

Plan Nord.

The tax spinoff stemming from new mining projects,

Hydro-Québec’s new projects and new infrastructure

projects will be paid into the fund.

The proportion of the funds drawn from own-

source revenue to be paid into the Fonds du

Plan Nord will be determined for a five-year period,

to be revised annually to take into account the state

of advancement of the projects undertaken and the

tax spinoff that the government actually receives.

Moreover, a contribution from Hydro-Québec to

fund social projects, set at $10 million a year, will

also be added to the Fonds du Plan Nord.

111

Revenues from water-power royalties will continue

to be paid into the Generations Fund, which was

established to reduce the weight of public debt. The

government has defined a policy under which water-

power royalties are paid into the Generations Fund

and this policy will be maintained.

6.2 THE 2011-2016 ACTION PLAN UNDER THE PLAN NORD: $1.625 BILLION IN INVESTMENTS

The first action plan under the Plan Nord will cover

the period 2011-2016. It plans initiatives totalling

$1.625 billion over five years, i.e. $1.191 billion for

infrastructure development, $382 million for social

measures and $52 million to fund the Société du

Plan Nord and initiatives to solicit partner investors

abroad.

FUNDING OF THE PLAN NORD: SOURCES OF REVENUE OTHER THAN GOVERNMENT TAX REVENUESCONTRIBUTIONS PAYABLE BY PRIVATE AND PUBLIC PARTNERS

The Fonds du Plan Nord will finance new strategic infrastructure, especially in the transportation sector. The strategic infrastructure will allow for:

■ the realization of a number of economic projects, in particular mining and energy projects;

■ the territory’s accessibility for multiple uses.

The new strategic infrastructure will be funded in partnership with the private sector and the other levels of government. The Société du Plan Nord will develop business models in this respect.

Infrastructure: $1.2 billion

More specifically, the 2011-2016 five-year plan calls

for the following infrastructure investments over the

next five years:

■ $821 million for transportation infrastructure;

■ $370 million for other infrastructure related

to housing, health, education, culture and the

creation of parks and protected areas.

From the standpoint of transportation infrastructure,

the government will first invest in projects that

afford access to areas with the greatest economic

development potential. Government investments

will thus be linked as a matter of priority to the most

promising energy, mining and other development

projects.


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PLAN NORD

The government is announcing the implementation

over the next five years of five big projects that have

the greatest impact on economic development:

■ the extension of Route 138 from Natashquan

to Blanc-Sablon ($251 million);

■ the extension of Route 167 to the Otish

Mountains ($279 million);

■ the rebuilding of Route 389 between

Baie-Comeau and Fermont ($201 million);

■ studies of a proposed land link between

Nunavik and the rest of Québec ($57 million);

■ studies concerning the construction of

a deepwater port in Whapmagoostui-

Kuujjuarapik and a land link to Radisson

($33 million).

In addition to these projects totalling $821 million,

$112 million in investments have already been

announced to rebuild airport facilities.

Social measures: $382 million

The first five-year action plan under the Plan Nord

also includes $382 million in expenditures to cover

essentially social measures, in particular pertaining

to housing, health, the reduction of transportation

costs, and education.

Such investments are essential: the development of

the North and the enhancement of the quality of life

of its inhabitants are closely linked.

The 2011-2016 action plan also sets aside $52 million

over the entire period to cover the implementation

by the Société du Plan Nord of the Plan Nord and

initiatives to solicit foreign investors.

113

Note: The figures have been rounded and the sum may not correspond to the total indicated.1 Including Hydro-Québec’s contribution of $10 million a year.2 Including the partners’ contribution.3 Funded by the Fonds du Plan Nord.

TABLE 1 Intervention in the territory that the Plan Nord covers — 2011-2016 five-year plan under the Plan Nord (millions of dollars)

2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016TOTAL

5 YEARS

Investments in infrastructure

– Roads 99.9 123.4 173.3 218.0 206.5 821.1

– Parks 3.4 6.8 6.2 4.5 3.3 24.1

– Public housing (300 units) and major renovations (482 units) in Nunavik

36.2 36.6 37.0 36.9 37.8 184.4

– Cultural infrastructure 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 25.0

– Other 52.1 24.1 24.2 29.2 7.1 136.7

Subtotal — Investments in infrastructure 196.6 195.9 245.7 293.6 259.6 1 191.3

Social spending

Public housing

– Operating deficit of Nunavik housing (300 units)

0.3 1.3 2.4 3.5 4.9 12.4

– Home ownership program in Nunavik (200 units) 12.4 13.0 13.6 14.3 14.9 68.2

Subtotal — Public housing 12.7 14.3 16.0 17.8 19.8 80.6

Socioeconomic projects

– Contribution from the Fonds du Plan Nord1 10.0 15.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 85.0

– Contributions from government departments and bodies and partners

5.0 7.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 42.0

Subtotal — Socioeconomic projects 15.0 22.0 30.0 30.0 30.0 127.0

Measures funded by government departments and bodies

– Self-financing measures2 43.3 45.1 23.7 25.0 19.5 156.5

– Measures in the 2010-2011 Budget 9.0 9.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 18.0

Subtotal — Self-financing measures 52.3 54.1 23.7 25.0 19.5 174.6

Operating budget of the Société du Plan Nord and investment prospecting3 5.0 10.0 12.0 12.2 12.8 52.0

Subtotal — Expenditures 85.0 100.4 81.7 85.0 82.1 434.2

TOTAL — INTERVENTION IN THE TERRITORY THAT THE PLAN NORD COVERS

281.6 296.3 327.3 378.5 341.7 1 625.5


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PLAN NORD

6.3 INVESTISSEMENT QUÉBEC’S EQUITY PARTICIPATION

With the support of Investissement Québec, the

government will negotiate equity participations in

projects to ensure that the inhabitants of the North

and Quebecers overall benefit directly from the

resources developed in their territory.

As announced in the 2011-2012 Budget Speech,

the government will earmark $500 million over

the next five years for the purpose of concluding

participations in impending projects. Investissement

Québec will manage the funds and will negotiate

equity interests on a business basis with the objective

of a return. The participations may take the form of:

■ joint ventures;

■ purchases of share capital or investments in

the form of convertible debentures.

The method of intervention in respect of each

project will be chosen in light of the risk incurred,

anticipated return and the desired level of

involvement. Investissement Québec will support

the government in the selection of projects based

on their profitability and their structuring nature for

the territory.

The government must authorize:

■ participations exceeding 30% of the cost of

the project (this percentage may be higher if

the acquisition of equity securities has a value

of less than $10 million);

■ the takeover of a company;

■ any equity participation of more than

$50 million in a project.

Investissement Québec may round out the financing

package in respect of a project by means of its own

financing tools.

115

A RECENT EXAMPLE OF A PARTICIPATIONSTORNOWAY

Under an agreement concluded in December 2010, Investissement Québec owns 37% of Stornoway.

■ Investissement Québec will obtain 25% of the common shares with voting rights.

■ It will also obtain non-voting convertible shares such that its total investment in Stornoway stands at 37%.

In addition to a 37% equity interest in Stornoway, Investissement Québec will obtain a royalty1 of 2% of the value of mining production under the Renard project, a major undeveloped diamond deposit located in the Nord-du-Québec region. The Renard diamandiferous project is located roughly 350 km north of Chibougamau in the James Bay region. In May 2010, the project had an estimated production potential of roughly 30 million carats over 25 years of mining operations.

1. Amounts of money that must be paid periodically in return for an advantage conceded contractually.

2. See the 2011-2012 Budget, Budget Plan, “Preparing for Our Future by Building on Our Wealth,” Québec City, March 2011, page E.34.

RIGOUR AND TRANSPARENCY IN MANAGEMENTThe business model that the government has implemented to ensure the realization of the Plan Nord will include exemplary authorization and accountability processes such that this big project is carried out with the requisite rigour and transparency.

OVERSIGHT OF THE FONDS DU PLAN NORD

The Minister of Finance will be responsible for the Fonds du Plan Nord and will draft the legislation authorizing its creation.

The management of the Fonds du Plan Nord will be subject to strict rules.2

THE USE BY THE SOCIÉTÉ DU PLAN NORD OF THE RESOURCES OF THE FONDS DU PLAN NORD

The ministère des Finances will elaborate standards governing the use by the Société du Plan Nord of funds from the Fonds du Plan Nord.

■ The standards will specify the use of such funds in accordance with procedures similar to those in a standards-based program.

■ The ministère des Finances may demand of the Société du Plan Nord the information needed to analyse the financial requirements that justify the amounts paid.

■ Moreover, the ministère des Finances may also demand more detailed accounting of the Société du Plan Nord’s use of funds from the Fonds.

Through these strict rules, the government will ensure the sound use of public funds while providing the Plan Nord and the Société du Plan Nord with the means necessary to carry out this ambitious project.


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PLAN NORD

INVESTISSEMENT QUÉBEC HAS A MANDATE TO SOLICIT INVESTMENT ABROADInvestissement Québec and the MDEIE will have a mandate to foster business opportunities in the territory that the Plan Nord covers, in collaboration with the MRNF and the other government departments concerned. It will engage in solicitation abroad aimed at future investors.

The government corporation already possesses recognized know-how in the realm of investor solicitation. Moreover, since its merger with the Société générale de financement (SGF), Investissement Québec has integrated the teams from the Société québécoise d’exploration minière (SOQUEM) and the office of the vice-president of the SGF assigned to mining investments.

The new mandate, coordinated by the MDEIE, falls within the scope of the recent changes made to the government corporation. Through it, experienced teams and a thorough knowledge of the sectors concerned can serve the Plan Nord.

Investissement Québec can rely on support from the network of Québec delegations abroad, which has also developed extensive expertise in the solicitation of foreign investment.

Funding has been reserved over the next five years to engage in investor solicitation and investment prospecting, to be drawn from the $52-million allocation also intended to cover operating costs of the Société Plan Nord. The funds earmarked for solicitation will be deposited in the Fonds de développement économique, then transferred to Investissement Québec to enable the latter the fulfil the mandate assigned to it.

Investissement Québec will not confine its investor solicitation and support activities to projects in the mining sector. The government corporation will perform an analogous task in respect of the other resources to be developed, in particular forest, wildlife and tourism resources, and the primary processing of metals and wood products. Moreover, it will have a mandate to ensure follow-up in respect of businesses that invest in the territory that the Plan Nord covers.

A total of $2.1 billion in funding

All told, the government anticipates $2.1 billion in

investments and expenditures through the first action

plan (2011-2016) implemented under the Plan Nord:

■ $1.2 billion for transportation infrastructure

and social spending;

■ $382 million for social measures in the realms

of housing, health and education;

■ $52 million to solicit investment abroad

and for the administration of the Société

du Plan Nord;

■ $500 million in the form of an advance

to Investissement Québec to cover equity

participations.

These investments are being funded by means

of innovative financing methods that ensure that

the Plan Nord is implemented in keeping with the

government’s financial framework, in particular

a return to fiscal balance and the reduction of the

debt.

117

BENEFITS FOR ALL QUEBECERSThe Plan Nord is a megaproject. It will create jobs and wealth for the benefit of all Quebecers over the next 25 years. In concrete terms, it will engender the following spinoff:

■ a minimum of $80 billion in private and public investments;

$47 billion for the development of renewable energy;

$33 billion for investments in the mining sector and public infrastructure such as roads and airports;

■ $14 billion in tax revenues for the government;

■ 20 000 jobs, on average, created or maintained each year, equivalent to 500 000 man-years;

■ the investments, totalling $162 billion, will significantly affect GDP.


The North is part of the Québec identity. It has always sustained our imagination.

It has marked our literature and culture and shaped our economy. It provides

us with most of our energy. Today, through the Plan Nord, we are preparing to

make of the North an example of international scope of sustainable development

through a respectful, modern partnership with the First Nations, the Inuit and local

communities.

CONCLUSION

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PLAN NORD

Through the patient, determined elaboration of

a unifying, consensual vision, the establishment

of a public coordinating mechanism, the Société

du Plan Nord, and permanent discussion tables,

the Plan Nord can be implemented in an orderly,

participatory manner. Innovative funding methods

afford the Plan Nord means that are commensurate

with its ambitions.

The implementation of the Plan Nord will take its

place at the forefront of numerous networks both

from the standpoint of community betterment,

economic development, environmental protection,

knowledge acquisition, the search for investment

and support for innovation. Such networks, in turn,

will, by publicizing the Plan Nord, broaden Québec’s

influence well beyond its borders.

The objective is to ensure that the extensive

economic development potential in the territory

that the Plan Nord covers is achieved with and for

the communities located there, in a spirit of respect

for the environment and biodiversity. Above all, the

Plan Nord seeks to ensure that future generations

continue to thrive in this vast, unique territory.

The Plan Nord is promising. The government

ultimately wants Québec to become an international

reference in the realm of sustainable northern

development.

APPENDICES

122

PLAN NORD

123123

APPENDIX A THE ELABORATION OF THE PLAN NORD

Figure A illustrates how facets of the elaboration of the Plan Nord have been defined

and apportioned among the partners and the government and the communications links

between each of the groups concerned.

FIGURE A

PLAN NORD MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE

MEETING WITH PARTNERS Cree table

Inuit table

Innu table

Mamuitun mak Nutakuan table

Naskapi table

Support network for research and knowledge development

Investment network (MDEIE/MFQ/MESS)

STEERING COMMITTEE

Working group on energy

Working group tourism

Working group on forests

Working group on culture

and identity

Working group on mines

Working group on the

bio-food sector

Working group on wildlife

Working group on community development

Working group on education

Working group on access to the territory

Working group on health and

housing

PARTNERS’ DISCUSSION TABLE

ABORIGINAL PARTNERS’ DISCUSSION TABLE

Deputy ministers’ committee

Meeting with businesses

Committee of departmental coordinators

Sustainable development discussion group

APPENDIX A

124

PLAN NORD

MAIN STRUCTURES

The Plan Nord ministerial committee

The Plan Nord ministerial committee has overseen the process and is responsible for

coordinating the government departments concerned. The committee, chaired by the

Deputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for

the Plan Nord, comprises 16 ministers, assisted by a committee of deputy ministers and a

committee of ministerial respondents.

COMPOSITION OF THE PLAN NORD MINISTERIAL COMMITTEEDeputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, Chair

Minister responsible for Native Affairs

Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks

Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women

Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade

Minister of Education, Recreation and Sports

Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity

Minister of Finance

Minister of Health and Social Services

Minister for Natural Resources and Wildlife

Minister of International Relations

Minister for Social Services

Minister of Tourism

Minister for Transport

The Deputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for

the Plan Nord is also responsible for organizing and chairing the partners’ meeting, held

for the first time on November 6, 2009, which brought together nearly 200 people from all

backgrounds.

125

The partners’ discussion table

The partners’ discussion table was established in collaboration with the regional conferences

of elected officers (RCEOs) and the government departments concerned. It comprises

26 members from the Aboriginal, municipal and regional sectors and sectors of activity such

as environmental protection, sustainable development, research, energy production, mineral

exploration and mining operations, the forest products industry, the bio-food industry,

education, labour, housing, culture, transportation, the tourist industry and wildlife.

Its role is to advise the government on the strategic choices to be made throughout the

implementation of the Plan Nord. Among the key questions that the partners’ discussion

table is called upon to examine are those pertaining to the use of the territory. In particular,

it may be asked to provide necessary arbitration between the projects and measures

submitted or to prioritize certain development time frames.

The Aboriginal partners’ discussion table

Representatives of the Inuit, Cree, Naskapi and certain Innu communities are participating

in the meetings of the partners’ discussion table. The same representatives also sit on the

Aboriginal partners’ discussion table, set up to deal with questions specific to them. Co-

chaired by the Deputy Premier, Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister

responsible for the Plan Nord, and the Minister responsible for Native Affairs, this discussion

table is a direct link between the Aboriginal nations concerned and the gouvernement du

Québec.

A separate discussion table has also been established for each of the Cree, Inuit and Naskapi

nations to enable their representatives to express their opinions, voice their concerns and

share their ideas as the deliberations progress. As for the Innu nation, the Mamuitun

mak Nutakuan discussion table was set up for the communities that are adhering to the

process (Mashteuiatsh and Nutakuan). Moreover, provision has also been made for an

Innu discussion table to possibly allow other communities to take part in the process. Aside

from the two communities mentioned, it should be noted that the Essipit and Pakua Shipi

communities are following the deliberations.

APPENDIX A

126

PLAN NORD

Working groups, the steering committee and support networks

The working groups, comprising members of the partners’ discussion table, associate or

assistant deputy ministers and representatives of the Aboriginal communities, the regions,

the business community and the environmental sector, examine sectorial questions by

determining potential and assessing development perspectives in the territory covered by

the Plan Nord. The 11 groups are also elaborating a series of key directions, projects or

support measures that can be carried out within the framework of the plan.

A steering committee made up of associate and assistant deputy ministers and members of

the Plan Nord coordinating team is ensuring liaison between the working groups and the

partners’ discussion table.

Moreover, the working groups can rely on the expertise of government departments and

bodies and support from the support network for research and knowledge development

and the investment network. The latter network was established in collaboration with the

ministère des Finances, the ministère du Développement économique, de l’Exportation et

de l’Innovation and the ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale in order, if need be,

to bolster support for businesses and optimize tools and financial leverage for the projects

of enterprises within the context of the development of the North.

A sustainable development group is ensuring the observation of a coherent perspective of

sustainable development that is integrated into the approach overall and proposing avenues

and areas for reflection in this field. It has drafted a report (see Appendix C).

127

OUTCOME OF THE DELIBERATIONS

Since the partners’ meeting on November 6, 2009, the approach under the Plan Nord has

developed quickly. Based on the perspective agreed upon with the partners, the deliberations

of different groups led to extensive discussions and the establishment of a consensus on the

main development axes of the territory targeted.

Since January 2010, the partners’ discussion table has met nine times, with the constant

desire to discuss the priorities of the populations concerned, find innovative ideas to develop

Northern Québec and advise the government on the elaboration of the Plan Nord.

During the same period, the Aboriginal partners’ discussion table met five times to

discuss the questions raised by the process involving the Aboriginal nations. Bilateral political

meetings were also held with each of the nations concerned to ensure that each nation’s

specific concerns are understood.

Moreover, the 11 working groups and the sustainable development discussion group

pursued reflection on specific sectors. The outcomes of their deliberations underpin the

Plan Nord and are an invaluable source of ideas and projects for the implementation of

the Plan.

Mention should also be made of the establishment of the support network for research

and knowledge development, which, until now, has invited over 170 organizations

to participate in its deliberations and has obtained roughly 65 positive responses. This

represents the potential involvement of approximately 1 750 researchers.

Lastly, on March 19, 2010, a meeting was held with 122 representatives of enterprises

from the territory covered or that engage in activities there. The meeting was intended to

present to the enterprises the approach under the Plan Nord and the possibilities that it will

create. Extensive discussions took place during the meeting and the participants displayed

considerable interest in the approach and the gouvernement du Québec’s determination to

develop a new partnership model. The investment network will contribute in this regard.

APPENDIX A

128

PLAN NORD

128

PLAN NORD

129129

SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATION

Access to the territory Denis Blais Ministère des Transports du Québec

Bio-food Janita Gagnon Pêcheries Manicouagan

CRE Nord-du-Québec Kativik Regional Government

Maggie Emudluk Kativik Regional Government

CRE Côte-Nord Julien Boudreau CRE Côte-Nord

CRE Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Georges Bouchard CRE Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

CRE Baie-James / Community development

Gérald Lemoyne CRE Nord-du-Québec – Baie-James

The CreeMatthew Coon Come Ashley Iserhoff

Grand Council of the Crees Cree Regional Authority

Sustainable development Suzann MéthotCanadian Boreal Initiative (Québec Section)

Education Lyne Laporte Joly James Bay School Board

Energy Stéphane BertrandXXIst World Energy Congress – Montréal 2010

Environment Patrick NadeauCanadian Parks and Wilderness Society – Québec Chapter

Wildlife Norman Ouellette Fédération des pourvoiries du Québec

Forests Marc Gilbert BOISACO

Hydro-Québec Richard Cacchione Hydro-Québec Production

Identity and cultureChief François Bellefleur Community of Nutakuan

Mamuitun mak NutakuanChief Clifford Moar Community of Mashteuiatsh

Manpower Danielle Delorme Regional council of labour market partners – Côte-Nord

APPENDIX B MEMBERS OF THE PARTNERS’ DISCUSSION TABLE

APPENDIX B

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PLAN NORD

SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE ORGANIZATION

MinesExploration Ghislain Poirier Québec Mineral Exploration Association

Mining operations Alain Cauchon ArcelorMittal Mines Canada

NaskapiChief Louis Einish Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach

Theresa Chemaganish Naskapi Development Corporation

Research Marcel Darveau Associate professor, Université Laval

Health and housing Andy Moorhouse Makivik Corporation

Makivik Corporation Pita Aatami Makivik Corporation

Tourism Jean ChartierAssociation touristique régionale de la Baie-James

MEMBERS OF THE PARTNERS’ DISCUSSION TABLE (continued)

APPENDIX C PROPOSAL FROM THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT DISCUSSION GROUP

This appendix presents the document submitted by the sustainable development discussion

group, comprising delegates responsible for sustainable development from each working

group, representatives of the partners’ discussion table from the sustainable development

and environment sectors, and the ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement

et des Parcs. The document below is the outcome of their deliberations and discussions as

of October 12, 2010. It is published here to contribute to reflection.

1. OBJECTIVE OF THE DOCUMENT

This document is intended to contribute to the gouvernement du Québec’s determination to

make of the Plan Nord a socially responsible, sustainable exemplary economic development

project by proposing items and new ways of thinking to guide choices from the standpoint

of sustainable development.

The items that the sustainable development discussion group has proposed seek to:

1) provide a focus of reflection and avenues for analysis in the establishment of

policy directions and the identification and elaboration of sustainable development

projects;

2) propose to and ensure that the working groups concerned by the Plan Nord

process possess a comprehensive, integrated, shared perspective of sustainable

development that favours coherent action.

The work approach adopted by the sustainable development discussion group centres on

the vision indicated below.

The Plan Nord must be an exemplary sustainable development project that allows for

the development of the collective wealth of the populations that live in the territory

and of several sectors of its economy in a well-thought-out perspective for Québec

as a whole. It must reflect the indissociable nature of the environmental, social and

economic dimensions of activities to satisfy their current needs without compromising

the ability of future generations to satisfy their needs by relying on the strengths of the

community and an integrated development approach concerning uses of the territory.

APPENDIX C

132

PLAN NORD

2. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN CURRENT ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE

The approach adopted by the Plan Nord, which centres above all on the need to establish a

partnership between communities, community stakeholders and the government, is based

on the terms of reference in the Sustainable Development Act adopted by the gouvernement

du Québec.

Sustainable development and the withdrawing from industrial activity of 50% of the territory is a legacy for future generations

This government commitment, through which 50% of the territory covered by the

Plan Nord will be devoted to environmental protection and tourist development by

withdrawing it from industrial activity is a legacy for future generations that underpins the

sustainable development approach adopted in the Plan Nord. It is thus essential to strike a

balance between industrial and non-industrial activity and develop procedures that ensure

that land-use planning is credible and durable.

Legislation can satisfy the need to perpetuate the commitment

To properly perpetuate the commitment to devote over time 50% of the territory covered

by the Plan Nord to non-industrial purposes and offer future generations the possibility of

enhancing their quality of life and well-being by safeguarding for them potential uses of the

territory and resources of a quality similar to or better than is now the case, the government

must legislate and adopt a specific statute.

Build on what exists

Sustainable development under the Plan Nord must hinge on past and current reflection.

The legislation in force in the territory that the Plan Nord covers must, in particular, be

based on compliance with various agreements and existing planning strategies that apply to

the territory. The James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, the Agreement-in-Principle

of a General Nature between the First Nations of Mamuitun mak Nutashkuan and the

Governments of Quebec and Canada, and the land use planning and development plans of

the RCMs are but some examples.

133

3. POLICY DIRECTIONS LINKED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PLAN NORD

The Plan Nord must support the realization of sustainable development projects based on

coherent policy directions that satisfy overall the key concerns stemming from the approach.

Specifically, it must:

ensure the application of a sustainable development approach centred on the

essential needs of local and Aboriginal communities in the territory that the Plan Nord

covers, their identities, and cultural heritage;

support development that respects the quality of the environment and its biodiversity

and allows for collective social and economic enrichment;

apply integrated analytical approaches in respect of different uses of the territory that

hinge on past or ongoing reflection, bearing in mind existing legislative frameworks,

agreements and planning initiatives.

4. KEY CONCERNS LINKED TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE PLAN NORD

Concerns linked to sustainable development under the Plan Nord centre on the desire to

properly plan development and the development of the territory, fully bearing in mind that

these geographic entities and regions of Québec are interdependent and complement

each other. The approach should contribute to the development of prosperous living

environments and sustainable economic projects and to the preservation of natural resources

and biodiversity for future generations, in a spirit of respect for the cultural identities of the

local and Aboriginal populations.

APPENDIX C

134

PLAN NORD

Local communities and Aboriginal communities are at the forefront of sustainable development under the Plan Nord: the social approach, integrated land-use planning, and the decision-making process

An approach that involves Québec society overall

When projects and activities are elaborated, consideration of the needs and objectives of

the Aboriginal communities and local and regional communities must call upon Quebecers

from the North and the South in the processes and decision-making and express itself

through respect for identity and cultural specificity under an approach integrated into

Québec society as a whole.

Integrated land-use planning of the territory

Integrated planning and management of projects, activities and uses must contribute

to enhancing the quality of the living environments of local and regional populations by

fostering their self-fulfilment and their maintenance in the territory.

The decision-making process under a concerted approach

To ensure the sound governance of projects and the social responsibility of enterprises in

the case of initiatives and the specific management of projects or activities, it is essential

to foster participation by residents, elected representatives, the representatives of groups

and all community stakeholders in decision-making processes. Cooperation and the regular

dissemination of information among the stakeholders (transparency) should be emphasized.

Recognition of the knowledge of local and Aboriginal communities, acceptance of their

modes of operation and governance and respect for established agreements must also be

part of the approach.

The satisfaction of essential needs: housing, health, water, food and energy

Sustainable development cannot be contemplated in a community if the essential needs

of housing and health and access to water and quality food cannot be assured. Access to

energy is also an essential need for several communities that now depend on it. Development

projects or activities, in particular those aimed at improving infrastructure, must thus

contribute to enhancing the quality of life of the populations concerned, satisfying their

essential basic needs, and fostering their adaptation to change and their security.

135

The protection of cultural heritage and respect for cultures and identities

The protection of the tangible and intangible heritage and recognition of the right to

development and the enhancement of the culture of Northern communities must be at the

forefront of sustainable development. The fundamental dimension of respect for cultural

identity must be central to the elaboration of new projects of interest to or that have an

impact on communities and rely on regional communities, artists and craftspeople and

cultural stakeholders, including research and the communities’ decision-making methods.

The Plan Nord must foster the development of projects and cultural activities that help to

liberate the populations.

The need to protect the environment and biodiversity: pursuit of the development of the network of protected areas, maintenance of the ecological benefits of ecosystems and rigorous application of regulations concerning existing and future projects

Sustainable development cannot be achieved without respect for and the preservation of

the natural environment and through genuine planning of current and future needs and

activities. With the commitment to protect 50% of the territory covered by the Plan Nord,

one way to achieve the objective of protecting and maintaining biodiversity is to pursue

the development of its network of protected areas and maintain ecological services in the

territory. The government must pursue its initiatives in this regard and protect the natural

heritage. It is also important to integrate into land-use planning decisions ecological planning

processes in order to guarantee the maintenance of biodiversity and the preservation of

territories and thus better recognize the support capacity of ecosystems.

Current and future development projects must rigorously observe the requirements

stipulated in legislation and regulations. They can be enhanced at the conclusion of the

environmental assessment process through the application of mitigation measures that

limit adverse impact on the environment or countervailing measures (or both) and even, in

some instances, encourage the authorities to withdraw territories from activities that are

incompatible or overly harmful to the environment and biodiversity.

APPENDIX C

136

PLAN NORD

The paramount importance of education, training and manpower development

To contribute actively to their rapid development, the communities must have access to

good educational services and scientific and traditional knowledge. This is one key to the

long-term sustainable development of a population so that it is involved and participates in

socioeconomic development projects.

Specific, specialized training must also be made available to the territory’s residents to enable

them to work in new developments and thus satisfy significant manpower needs in Northern

Québec. The government’s involvement through The Commitment for Employment and the

Pacte pour l’emploi Plus and through a concerted response adapted to the regions’ specific

needs from the standpoint of employment and manpower development must be maintained

to provide broader support for individuals and businesses in the Northern regions.

The development of the social economy and cooperative systems

The strength and long-term survival of a community also centres on its ability to generate

wealth and achieve some degree of economic independence. To this end, local management

of economic development might be attained through financial alternatives, in particular by

emphasizing the social economy and various modes of cooperation. It would also be desirable

to offer education in the realm of entrepreneurship to develop considerable autonomy in

the populations concerned and foster the emergence of projects in the communities.

Communications as an essential vehicle for sustainable development

With a view to maximizing Northern Québec’s enormous potential, means of communication

must be developed with respect to the needs of communities, their socioeconomic activities,

objectives and new projects. This is a condition that promotes, first and foremost, community

development and, in so doing, the realization of socioeconomic projects.

137

Transportation as an essential medium for the development of resources that can contribute to community development

To optimize the short- and long-term benefits that the development of modes of

transportation can engender, new needs must be analysed bearing in mind the challenges

posed by access to the territory and the impact on the environment, communities and

the economy. Public consultations with the communities and environmental, socio-

environmental and socioeconomic assessment processes will be desirable in order to make

the best choices. This is an essential condition for the development of communities that

often contributes significantly to broadening economic activity.

The development of collective and regional wealth through sound integration of approaches and sectorial projects: forests, mines, energy, wildlife, bio-food, tourism, and so on

The approach initiated under the Plan Nord must be carried out in such a way that it

develops the full potential of each economic sector, bearing in mind the importance of

developing the collective wealth of the northern territories and the rest of Québec. By

attaching particular importance to the management by the populations of development

and by developing flexible exchange and cooperation mechanisms, community stakeholders

must make of this concerted approach an example to be followed.

The Plan Nord must properly integrate the approaches proposed by each of the working

groups established and, possibly, major catalyst projects. The broad horizontal analysis

of working groups conducted from the perspective of sustainable development, i.e.

recognition of the principles and a constant desire to integrate into economic concerns the

environmental and social dimensions, is essential. Moreover, the development of projects

and activities that will have beneficial socio-economic repercussions in the community

concerned must also be fostered.

It would thus be relevant for the authorities responsible for the approach under the

Plan Nord to adopt all of the structural means and resources necessary to carry out this

important mandate centred on analysis, the integration of information and overall planning

of the approach under the Plan Nord.

APPENDIX C

138

PLAN NORD

Be receptive to change

For all of the stakeholders under the Plan Nord, sustainable development represents an

opportunity that is not to be missed. Through the recognition of the needs of communities

under a concerted approach to create collective wealth, sustainable development implies

reviewing ways of doing things and being willing to act otherwise.

5. TOOLS TO SUPPORT THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT APPROACH

Recognition of the principles of sustainable development in the

Sustainable Development Act

The development and adaptation of tools to support reflection that leads

to the elaboration or enhancement of sectorial projects following the recognition

of principles

Other analytical tools and tools to enhance approaches or projects

Environmental and social impact studies

Strategic environmental assessments (SEAs)

Economic and socio-economic analyses

Market analyses

Surveys or fact-finding centred on populations

Consultations in the communities concerned

Public environmental assessment hearings of the

Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement (BAPE)

Proposals concerning environmental mitigation or compensatory measures

139139

RCM OR EQUIVALENT TERRITORY COMMUNITIES STATUS

Le Domaine-du-Roy (MRC) Mashteuiatsh* Indian reserve

Maria-Chapdelaine (MRC)Girardville MunicipalityNotre-Dame-de-Lorette MunicipalitySaint-Stanislas Municipality

Le Fjord-du-Saguenay (MRC) — —

APPENDIX D POPULATIONS AND TERRITORIES INCLUDED IN THE PLAN NORD1

SAGUENAY–LAC-SAINT-JEAN


La Haute-Côte-Nord (MRC) Essipit* Indian reserve

Manicouagan (MRC)

Baie-Comeau CityBaie-Trinité VillageChute-aux-Outardes VillageFranquelin MunicipalityGodbout VillagePessamit* Indian reservePointe-aux-Outardes VillagePointe-Lebel VillageRagueneau Parish

Caniapiscau (MRC)

Fermont CityKawawachikamach Land reserved for the NaskapiMatimekosh/Lac-John Indian reserveSchefferville City

Sept-Rivières (MRC)Port-Cartier CitySept-Îles CityUashat-Maliotenam Indian reserve

Minganie (MRC)

Aguanish MunicipalityBaie-Johan-Beetz MunicipalityHavre-Saint-Pierre MunicipalityLongue-Pointe-de-Mingan MunicipalityMingan (Ekuanishit) Indian reserveNatashquan TownshipNutakuan Indian reserveRivière-au-Tonnerre MunicipalityRivière-Saint-Jean Municipality

Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent (MRC)

Blanc-Sablon MunicipalityBonne-Espérance MunicipalityCôte-Nord-du-Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent MunicipalityGros-Mécatina MunicipalityLa Romaine (Unamen Shipu) Indian reservePakuashipi Indian establishmentSaint-Augustin Municipality

CÔTE-NORD

1. The data in this appendix are drawn from the Répertoire des municipalités of the ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire (MAMROT) [www.mamrot.gouv.qc.ca/repertoire-des-municipalites]

APPENDIX D

140

PLAN NORD


Kativik Regional Government (equivalent territory)

Akulivik Northern villageAupaluk Northern villageInukjuaq Northern villageIvujivik Northern villageKangiqsuallujjuaq Northern villageKangiqsujuaq Northern villageKangirsuk Northern villageKiggaluk (Chisasibi) Category lands for the InuitKuujjuaq Northern villageKuujjuarapik Northern villagePuvirnituq Northern villageQuaqtaq Northern villageSalluit Northern villageTasiujaq Northern villageUmiujaq Northern village

Cree Regional Authority (equivalent territory)

Chisasibi Cree villageEastmain Cree villageMistissini Cree villageNemiscau Cree villageOujé-Bougoumou Indian establishmentWaskaganish Cree villageWaswanipi Cree villageWemindji Cree villageWhapmagoostui Cree village

Other James Bay municipalities (equivalent territory)

Baie-James MunicipalityChapais CityChibougamau CityLebel-sur-Quévillon CityMatagami City

NORD-DU-QUÉBEC

* These communities are not located in the territory that the Plan Nord covers but signed the Agreement-in-Principle of a General Nature that concerns the use of part of the territory covered.

141141

APPENDIX E SECTORIAL INITIATIVES

The priority initiatives to support communities are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Reduce the cost of living in Nunavik, mainly food and transportation costs

SAA MTQ

Create a Fonds de développement coopératif du Nunavik MDEIE

Pursue the implementation of the Fonds pour la réalisation d’initiatives régionales et locales (FRIRL)

MRNF

Establish government guidance measures for the communities concerned by major projects


Take into account northern conditions in the elaboration of the Québec entrepreneurship strategy

MDEIE MELS, SAA, MESS

Heighten awareness among businesses established in Northern Québec of the question of sustainable development

MDEIE MDDEP

APPENDIX E

142

PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives in the realm of education are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Develop a research program concerning Aboriginal persistence in school and school success

MELS

Offer learning paths adapted to students in Nunavik MELS

Establish the Echelon program for school success elaborated by the Nunavik School Board

MELS

Carry out the Nunavik Sivuniksavut project to develop a feeling of identity among Inuit young people

MELS MCCCF

Ensure follow-up with McGill University to the teacher training program for the Naskapi Nation

MELS

Redevelop the multi-purpose centre of the James Bay School Board

MELS

Establish multi-purpose centres at service points in the territory to offer occupational training programs

MELS

Implement a new regional coordination mechanism aimed at accelerating the development of university training and research and development services, especially on the Côte-Nord, to better support socioeconomic development in the territory that the Plan Nord covers

MELS

Stress among young people how important it is to pursue their studies


Create alliances in the communities to foster persistence in school among young people

Draw up a list, during the elaboration stage, of the skills required, from the standpoint of quality and number, for each project

Promoters/EnterprisesParticipate with the partners in the education sector and the

communities in producing an overview and an assessment of needs and, if necessary, invest with the partners in the development points of service

143

The priority initiatives in the realm of manpower are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Prepare a profile of manpower in the territory that the Plan Nord covers and periodically update it

MESS

Prepare an atlas that indicates the migratory patterns of workers active in the territory that the Plan Nord covers and periodically update it

MESS

Implement a major project to facilitate access by the Cree to the labour market

MESS FED

Support major projects that create and maintain jobs, especially in the mining sector

MESS

Group together the jobs offers of businesses that are recruiting in the territory that the Plan Nord covers under Emploi-Québec’s “Online Placement” service

MESS

Establish a home base for Hydro-Québec employees at the Chapais-Chibougamau airport

Hydro-Québec

Establish a new committee in the Plan Nord internal consultation mechanism on manpower and the labour market

MESS MRNF

Foster public support for economic development projects


Emphasize the acquisition of occupational skills

Collaborate with the partners to facilitate the development of training facilities

Establish with the partners training timetables to ensure that workers are ready at the right time


Invest in the development of training facilities and the installation of proper equipment

Contribute to the hiring and recruiting of trainers

APPENDIX E

144

PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives in the realm of housing are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Build public housing in Nunavik — catch up program (300 housing units)

SHQ

Implement a new program to foster home ownership (200 housing units)

SHQ

Pursue the renovation of public housing stock in Nunavik (482 housing units)

SHQ

Carry out additional projects outside Nunavik in the territory that the Plan Nord covers through the AccèsLogis Québec program

SHQ

Provide manpower to help build housingLocal and Aboriginal

communitiesFacilitate the granting of lots and the development of appropriate services when new districts are built

Make public precisely how many individuals (workers from outside the territory and their families) are likely to settle in the region where the project is located Promoters/

EnterprisesInvest with the communities and the partners in the development of housing and community infrastructure

The priority initiatives in the realm of health are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Establish the necessary infrastructure and structure to allow for the creation of a genuine telehealth network in Nunavik

MSSS

Implement a formal health impact assessment of development projects under the Plan Nord

MSSS

Establish a committee devoted to justice and public security within the framework of the approach adopted under the Plan Nord

MJQ, MSP MRNF

Promote healthy lifestylesLocal and Aboriginal

communities

Elaborate occupational health and safety programs adapted to the communities

Promoters/EnterprisesInvest in the development of community infrastructure devoted

to health or social services or lend to the community premises that can be used for such purposes

145

The priority initiatives in the realm of culture and identity are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Sign cultural cooperation agreements with the Aboriginal nations, the regional conferences of elected officers (RCEOs) and the northern partners

MCCCF SAA, MRI

Renew or conclude agreements between the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and the Aboriginal nations or regional bodies

MCCCF MRI

Consolidate or create multi-purpose institutions and build cultural centres to preserve, develop and disseminate culture and the arts

MCCCF FED, MELS, MTO

Promote Northern Québec artists through the application of the Politique d’intégration des arts à l’architecture et à l’environnement

MCCCF

Support permanent exhibitions devoted to the Aboriginal cultures MCCCF

Adjust programs and services to allow the northern partners to access culture

MCCCF

Establish a framework for exchanges between young people in the territory that the Plan Nord covers and young people from the rest of Québec

SAJ

Support a documentary film project to promote the Plan Nord and Northern Québec


Télé-Québec

Promote the communities’ culture and facilitate exchanges between them in a dynamic of sharing and mutual understanding


Make known to the partners, businesses and workers from outside the territory the importance of preserving cultures

Display constant receptiveness to the Aboriginal cultures by making provision, for example, for familiarization sessions for their employees from outside the territory


Develop approaches to work organization that take into account cultural differences

Invest with the partners in community and cultural infrastructure

APPENDIX E

146

PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives in the realm of energy development are indicated below.

SUBJECT RESPONSABLEPARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS

OR BODIES

Carry out the projects already described by Hydro-Québec in its 2009-2013 strategic plan:

- installation of additional equipment at the Sainte-Marguerite-3 power plant with a capacity of 440 MW

- power gains at the Jean-Lesage power plant (120 MW)

- power gains at the René-Lévesque power plant (210 MW)

Hydro-Québec

Support the development of industrial projects not connected to the main network by elaborating, carrying out and operating hydroelectric power generation projects that specifically satisfy the energy and power needs of such industrial projects

Hydro-Québec

Conduct a thorough study of sites offering hydroelectric and wind power potential in the territory that the Plan Nord covers to provide off-grid communities and industrial and mining projects with renewable energy

Hydro-Québec

Carry out a combined wind power-diesel pilot project to supply an isolated network in a community in Nunavik

Hydro-Québec

Fund the studies necessary for projects to develop underwater generators

MRNF — Énergie

The priority initiatives in the realm of mining are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Invest to acquire and integrate geoscientific knowledge into the Système d’information géominière (SIGEOM)

MRNF — Mines

Coordinate government initiatives concerning the rehabilitation of the railway between Emeril Junction (Labrador) and Schefferville

MDEIE

Examine the possibility of establishing a biodiversity tax credit to encourage investors to participate in ecosystem development or restoration projects

MRNF — Mines ARQ, MFQ, MDDEP

Pursue the restoration of abandoned mining and exploration sites in the territories of Nunavik and James Bay//Eeyou Istchee.

MRNF — Mines

147

The priority initiatives in the realm of forests are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Acquire knowledge of the vegetation north of the 53rd parallel MRNF — ForêtsMDDEP

ACRIGéo

Pursue the deliberations of the Comité scientifique sur la limite nordique des forêts attribuables

MRNF — Forêts ACRIGéo

Reforest the forest heaths south of the boundary of attributable forests


Establish local forests in the regions concerned MRNF — Forêts

Ensure that silvicultural regimes attain optimal yields


Enhance the profitability of silvicultural investments

Support initiatives that allow the use of forest biomass by conducting studies, opportunity analyses and inventories and by seeking uses (energy, wood-derived products, and so on) and good practices

MRNF — Forêts MDEIE, MRI

Support the development of an interregional niche in the realm of wood

MDEIE MRNF — Forêts

Certify forestry practices and the territories under management


Harmonize the adapted forestry regime under the Peace of the Braves and that under the Sustainable Forest Development Act


Manage sustainable forest development and implement ecosystem-based development in spruce stands


Broaden social consensus building and the harmonization of uses in collaboration with the integrated resource and territorial management tables, the RCEO – RNRLUC, and when the forest management plans are consulted


Develop and promote northern architecture MRNF — Forêts

Elaborate a sustainable development strategy for forests located north of the northern boundary of the attributable forests, including a northern adaptation of the concept of local forest


APPENDIX E

148

PLAN NORD

The priority initiatives in the realm of wildlife are indicated below.

SUBJECT COORDINATORPARTICIPATING

DEPARTMENTS or BODIES

IMPLEMENT A THREE-POINT PROGRAM TO DEVELOP AND ENHANCE WILDLIFE IN THE NORTH.

Develop activities related to wildlife resources in the territory:

support proposed diversified activities related to wildlife resources;

promote and arouse interest among young people in wildlife-related activities;

reach an international clientele through solicitation initiatives;

develop and offer a training program adapted to conditions in Northern Québec to provide quality wildlife services that satisfy the clientele’s expectations, including the training of guides and wildlife protection officers from the Aboriginal communities.

MRNF — Faune

Ensure participation by northern communities in the development and use of wildlife resources in the territory:

maintain and create jobs;

encourage initiatives focusing on awareness-raising and public education concerning wildlife resources and their uses and the Aboriginal cultures in the territory that the Plan Nord covers;

better publicize the northern environments in the territory and communities located there in order to attract new visitors from at home and abroad and thus develop an open territory, broaden exchanges with the outside and achieve international recognition in the realm of sustainable development.

MRNF — Faune

Acquire knowledge of northern wildlife and its habitats:

broaden knowledge of harvesting activities and the species harvested;

document the diversity and abundance of wildlife species or habitats;

assess the impact on wildlife resources of opening up the territory, anthropogenic activities or climate change.

MRNF — Faune

149

The priority initiatives in the realm of tourism are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Implement the tourism strategy MTO

Support the development and structuring of northern tourism supply by relying on sustainable development

MTO

Rely on human resource training in the tourism sector MTO

Promote and market northern destinations in order to position them on the northern world stage

MTO MRI

Plan and implement, in collaboration with local and regional communities, a reception, information and tourism development network

MTO

Monitor the development and enhancement of tourism offerings in Northern Québec

MTO

The priority initiatives in the bio-food sector are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Establish a bio-food research network north of the 49th parallel MAPAQ FED

Support the setting up of greenhouses in the North MAPAQ MRNF, MDEIE

Elaborate a development strategy in respect of non-timber forest products


FED, MDEIE

Implement a sustainable development strategy in respect of small northern fruits


MDEIE

Develop a joint strategy to promote local and rural products outside the regions covered, in particular through the use of positive promotional terms

MAPAQMTO, MDEIE,

MCCCF

Establish a network to support the development of the marketing of regional and rural products on the interregional market, especially to supply the kitchens of restaurants, outfitting operations, major construction sites and communities located farther north

MAPAQMRNF — Faune, MSSS, MAMROT,

Hydro-Québec, MTO

APPENDIX E

150

PLAN NORD

The priority initatives in the realm of transportation are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Conduct studies to ascertain the feasibility of a road or rail link from Kuujjuaq southward

MTQ

Conduct studies to ascertain the feasibility and profitability of a deepwater port in Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuarapik and of the construction of a land link to Radisson

MTQ

Extend Route 167 to the Otish Mountains MTQ MRNF

Rebuild Route 389 between Baie-Comeau and Fermont MTQ

Pursue the upgrading of airports MTQ MRNF

Pursue the extension of Route 138 between Natashquan and Kegaska

MTQ

Extend Route 138 by building a link between Kegaska and Blanc-Sablon

MTQ

Carry out a pilot project focusing on northern transportation weight standards

MTQ MRNF

Take stock of the needs of promoters and businesses


Determine with the interveners concerned the best routes to serve a maximum number of uses

Participate in the construction, maintenance and financing of access routes

The priority initiatives in the realm of telecommunications are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Invest in telecommunications infrastructure MAMROT and MRNF MDEIE

Make known their existing means of communications, as the case may be, and their investment projects in these fields

Promoters/ EnterprisesBe receptive to partnerships that call, for example, for the pooling

of their facilities for the benefit of communities or investments in joint projects

151

The priority initiatives to preserve ecosystems and biodiversity are indicated below.


OR BODIES

Broaden knowledge for the purposes of decision-making, the preservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, and environmental protection

MDDEP MRNF

Finish and distribute the Atlas sur la biodiversité du Québec nordique

MDDEPFondation Prince

Albert II de Monaco, Ouranos, MRI

Establish provincial parks MDDEP

Set aside over 31 000 km2 of land and attribute, among other things, the status of projected biodiversity reserves or projected aquatic reserves

MDDEP MRNF

Adopt a legislative framework concerning the commitment to devote 50% of the territory in question to non-industrial activities and coordinate its implementation

MDDEP

Participate in initiatives to protect the territory


Promote the adoption of environmentally-friendly practices

Work with the partners to ensure the ecological development of the natural heritage

Abide by the withdrawal of public lands and protected areas


Adopt environmentally-friendly practices

Adopt in each of their projects environmental protection, mitigation or restoration plans

APPENDIX E

152

PLAN NORD

153153

APPENDIX F ORGANIZATION CHARTS INDICATING THE LINKS BETWEEN THE INTERVENERS PARTICIPATING IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN NORD

APPENDIX F

Cabinet

Plan Nord ministerial committee

Minister responsible for the Plan Nord Société du Plan Nord

Government departments and bodies

Sustainable development discussion group

Aboriginal partners’ discussion table

Partners’ discussion table

Steering committee

Working groups

Support network for research and knowledge development

Investment network (MDEIE/MFQ/MESS)

154

PLAN NORD

Organization chart of the funding structure

Société du Plan NordFonds du Plan Nord

Partners’contribution

Tax spinoff Royalties

Consolidated Revenue Fund

GenerationsFund

Government departments and bodies —

Realization of mandates

155155

APPENDIX G FIGURES, INITIALISMS AND ABBREVIATIONS, AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BODIES

FIGURES

Figure 1 Area covered by the Plan Nord

Figure 2 Aboriginal communities

Figure 3 Breakdown, by age group, of the population of Québec as a whole and the territory that the Plan Nord covers, 2006

Figure 4 Wind energy potential

Figure 5 Mineral potential

Figure 6 Major vegetation zones

Figure 7 Wildlife areas

Figure 8 Protected areas

Figure 9 Transportation infrastructure

Figure A Organizational structure of the process of elaborating the Plan Nord

INITIALISMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ACNR Agreement Concerning a New Relationship Between le Gouvernement du Québec and the Crees of Québec

ACRIgéo Collaborative network approach to geographical information

APGN Agreement-in-Principle of a General Nature between the First Nations of Mamuitun mak Nutashkuan and the Governments of Quebec and Canada

CFP Centre de formation professionnelle

FED Government of Canada

IOC Iron Ore Company

JBNQA James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement

KRG Kativik Regional Government

MW Megawatts

RCEO Regional conference of elected officers

RCM Regional county municipality

RNRLUC Regional land and natural resource commission

ZEC Controlled harvesting zone

APPENDIX G

156

PLAN NORD

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND BODIES

ARQ Agence du revenu du Québec

MAMROT Ministère des Affaires municipales, des Régions et de l’Occupation du territoire

MAPAQ Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation

MCCCF Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine

MDDEP Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs

MDEIE Ministère du Développement économique, de l’Innovation et de l’Exportation

MELS Ministère de l’Éducation, du Loisir et du Sport

MESS Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale

MFQ Ministère des Finances du Québec

MJQ Ministère de la Justice du Québec

MRI Ministère des Relations internationales

MRNF Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune

MRNF — Énergie Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune – Secteur de l’énergie

MRNF — Faune Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune – Faune Québec

MRNF — Forêts Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune – Forêt Québec

MRNF — Mines Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune – Secteur des mines

MRNF — SOR Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune – Secteur des opérations régionales

MSP Ministère de la Sécurité publique

MSSS Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux

MTO Ministère du Tourisme

MTQ Ministère des Transports du Québec

SAA Secrétariat aux affaires autochtones

SAJ Secrétariat à la jeunesse

SGF Société générale de financement

SHQ Société d’habitation du Québec

SOQUEM Société québécoise d’exploration minière


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